The Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed on Monday, Oct. 21, that Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited Pag-asa Island in the Municipality of Kalayaan, West Philippine Sea.
In a statement, DepEd said Angara's visit on Oct. 20 marked a “historic milestone” as the first visit by an Education Secretary to the remote island in recent times.
DepEd stated that Angara's visit reinforces the agency’s commitment to bringing quality education to every corner of the Philippines.
During the visit, Angara handed over 15 laptops to the teachers of Pag-asa Integrated School. A total of 43 footballs and 109 school bags filled with essential supplies for the students were also distributed.
"With this technology, we hope to lighten the workload of our teachers and unlock the potential of our learners,” Angara said.
He added that President Marcos directed the new DepEd leadership to “harness modern tools to strengthen education and uplift the future of our youth.”
Following the turnover ceremony, Angara and other key DepEd officials consulted with teachers, parents, and local leaders to address challenges in delivering education in the area.
The discussions covered potential solutions to improve the island’s living conditions, including housing initiatives and transportation services for residents.
DepEd stated that the visit was made possible with the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), whose assistance enabled the agency's outreach to this remote community.
“This mission embodies our dedication to ensuring that no Filipino learner is left behind,” Angara said. “The government is committed to developing even the most isolated areas, ensuring access to education, services, and security for all,” he added.
DepEd highlighted that Angara's visit exemplified the national government's continued commitment to fostering inclusive development.
It also emphasized the agency's mission to ensure that every learner, regardless of how remote their community may be, has access to quality education throughout the archipelago, DepEd added.