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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos signs law institutionalizing support for Last Mile, GIDA schools

Marcos signs law institutionalizing support for Last Mile, GIDA schools

Published Jul 25, 2026 09:12 am

At A Glance

  • President Marcos has signed Republic Act No. 12321, institutionalizing government support for public schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).
  • The new law establishes the Last Mile and GIDA Schools Program under the Department of Education (DepEd) to improve school infrastructure, teacher support, and access to basic education.
  • The measure also mandates a whole-of-government approach involving national agencies, local governments, and other stakeholders to address education gaps in underserved communities.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. signs Republic Act No. 12321, institutionalizing government support for public schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA). (File photos)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. signs Republic Act No. 12321, institutionalizing government support for public schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA). (File photos)

President Marcos has signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 12321, or the Last Mile and GIDA Schools Act, institutionalizing government support for public basic education schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and underserved communities.

Signed on July 22, the law establishes the Last Mile and GIDA Schools Program under the Department of Education (DepEd) to systematically address long-standing gaps in access to quality education in remote, isolated, and conflict-affected communities.

The measure declares it a policy of the State to ensure that all learners have reasonable geographic access to basic education schools that comply with national education standards while improving school infrastructure, access roads, and education programs tailored to the needs of underserved areas.

Under the law, DepEd is tasked with identifying Last Mile and GIDA schools using measurable criteria and establishing a national mapping system that will be updated every three years to guide planning and implementation.

The law also requires DepEd to adopt a national school accessibility standard, including ensuring that learners have access to a basic education school within a walkable distance of three kilometers whenever feasible.

Government agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Energy (DOE), and other national agencies, are directed to coordinate with DepEd in providing roads, transportation, electricity, internet connectivity, and other essential services for identified schools.

The measure likewise mandates the construction of climate- and disaster-resilient school facilities and encourages the use of sustainable, locally sourced building materials, including engineered bamboo, where practicable.

To address staffing challenges, the law provides a comprehensive support package for teachers and non-teaching personnel assigned to Last Mile and GIDA schools, including additional compensation and allowances, housing support, professional development, and localized recruitment initiatives.

The measure also directs DepEd to develop context-responsive learning delivery systems, strengthen learner support services, and prioritize access to electricity, water, sanitation, digital connectivity, and educational technologies in remote schools.

Local school boards are required to coordinate with DepEd in supporting Last Mile and GIDA schools, while the education department must submit annual reports to Congress and periodically assess the program's implementation and effectiveness.

The law appropriates the necessary funding through the annual General Appropriations Act and directs concerned agencies to issue their implementing rules and regulations within 90 days from its effectivity.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos new law Last Mile Schools GIDA GIDA schools
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