Sen. Bong Go is pushing for expanded access to education in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas following the approval on third and final reading of Senate Bill 1937 or the GIDA Schools Act. The proposal aims to institutionalize targeted interventions for public schools in remote communities facing barriers like limited infrastructure and lack of electricity. He stressed the duty to bring education to long-neglected areas.
In Manila, Philippines, Sen. Bong Go, chairman of the Senate committee on youth, is advocating for Senate Bill 1937 to provide targeted support to schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, or GIDA. Following its approval on third and final reading, he emphasized that distance should not hinder students' education. “Distance should not be a hindrance for students to get education. It is our responsibility to bring public services, especially education, to communities that have long been left behind,” he said. The bill includes a national mapping system to identify and monitor GIDA schools for better resource planning. It ensures learners have access to a school within a three-kilometer walking distance, with transportation assistance if needed. Measures cover building access roads, providing electricity, and expanding internet connectivity. It mandates disaster-resilient facilities, teacher support like hardship allowances and housing, hiring local educators, and integrating indigenous knowledge into the curriculum. Data from Senate deliberations show many GIDA students below minimum proficiency levels. “We know the sacrifices of our teachers to reach these remote areas. We should give them more support and recognition for their services,” he added. The aim is to address education disparities in underserved areas.
