NEWS RELEASE|| 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲: 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗘𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀

July 29, 2026

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office XIII–Caraga continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering equitable and quality education by forging meaningful partnerships that bring hope and opportunities to learners in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

As part of this commitment, DepEd Caraga welcomed representatives from Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and City Savings Bank for a series of coordination meetings and field visits aimed at expanding support to last-mile schools across the region.

The activity commenced with a courtesy meeting at the DepEd Regional Office, where Regional Director Allan G. Farnazo expressed his gratitude to the partner organizations for their unwavering commitment to improving access to quality education.

He emphasized that strong collaboration between the government and the private sector plays a vital role in ensuring that no learner is left behind, especially those in remote communities.

The delegation from Aboitiz Foundation and City Savings Bank was composed of officials and representatives involved in corporate social responsibility, reputation management, sustainability, and corporate communications. The activity was facilitated by the Education Support Services Division (ESSD), led by Chief Edmund D. Mendoza, Engr. Mariel Sosmena, and Engr. Roy Ritzi Cervantes, who coordinated the engagement and reinforced the region’s commitment to sustainable partnerships.

Following the coordination meeting, the team proceeded to Agusan del Norte for an immersion and site validation of selected beneficiary schools. The delegation visited Baboy-Baboy Elementary School and Mangumihay Elementary School in the Municipality of Nasipit. Despite traversing rough roads, mountainous terrain, and river crossings, the team reached the schools to witness firsthand the realities faced by learners, teachers, and school leaders in geographically isolated communities.

The field visit was joined by local government officials led by Nasipit Municipal Mayor Roscoe Plaza and Agusan del Norte Governor Angelica Rosedell Amante, together with representatives from the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army, DepEd Agusan del Norte Schools Division Office headed by Jeanie L. Mativo, Schools Division Superintendent, and community leaders.

During the program, tribal leaders and members of the Higaonon Indigenous Peoples communities warmly welcomed the visitors and expressed their appreciation for the partnership. In her message, Governor Amante thanked DepEd and its partners for bringing meaningful educational interventions to schools in the province, emphasizing that such initiatives help bridge educational gaps and create brighter opportunities for learners.

Mayor Plaza likewise conveyed his gratitude to the partner organizations for making schools in Nasipit a priority, noting that investments in education directly contribute to improved learner performance and stronger community development.

A major highlight of the partnership is the installation of 5-kilowatt solar power systems with Starlink internet connectivity in selected last-mile schools. These interventions are expected to provide reliable electricity and internet access, enabling teachers to maximize digital learning resources, strengthen innovative teaching strategies, and improve the overall delivery of quality education.

The initiative reflects DepEd Caraga’s continuing efforts to build sustainable partnerships that address the needs of underserved schools and ensure that every learner—regardless of location—has access to a safe, connected, and conducive learning environment.

Through the collective efforts of DepEd Caraga, Aboitiz Foundation, City Savings Bank, local government units, security forces, and community stakeholders, the region continues to prove that meaningful collaboration can transform lives and bring quality education closer to every child, even in the most remote corners of Caraga.

By: Edmund D. Mendoza, PhD

ESSD Chief

DepEd Caraga

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For more information, contact (085) 221-1151, 0961-737-0873, or 0915-808-4734. Website: www.caraga.deped.gov.ph; email: caraga@deped.gov.ph; pau_caraga@deped.gov.ph See more photos through this link