Aspirant Mayor Roy Ga took the opportunity to visit the Hinterland Barangays, showing his commitment to education by engaging with the students and faculty in the Sultan Mamaringta Pandigan Integrated School in Barangay Bonbon. His presence was not only a gesture of solidarity but also a significant moment for the residents as they saw a leader who was actively involved in improving education in their community.
During his visit, Chairman Ga shared his concerns about the lack of senior high school opportunities in these remote areas. “I saw the tremendous effort put into the education here, but the lack of access to senior high school remains a challenge. It is imperative that we bring quality education to every corner of Iligan, including our hinterland barangays,” he remarked. His words resonated with the locals, as many young individuals dreamt of furthering their education but found themselves unable to continue due to the long distances and limited access to educational institutions.
Mayor Ga’s advocacy for accessible education aligns with his vision of a prosperous Iligan, where every student, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to excel. His administration plans to build satellite campuses or learning centers in various barangays to ensure that no student is left behind. “Education is the most powerful tool we can provide to our youth. We will work toward establishing educational programs that not only meet the national standards but also address the specific needs of our communities,” said Roy Ga.
City Councilor Nhicolle Capangpangan, who accompanied Mayor Ga during his visit, expressed her full support for the initiatives aimed at strengthening education in the hinterland areas. “Education should not be a privilege of the few but a right for all. We are committed to ensuring that every student in Iligan has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed,” she emphasized.
Additionally, City Councilor Capangpangan pointed out that the key to transforming education in these areas lies in creating partnerships with various stakeholders, including local and international donors, education organizations, and the private sector. She stressed the importance of collaboration in providing sustainable education models that meet the needs of the community.
The visit was not just about talking; it was also about action. During the meeting with the school’s principal, Cherry Ann Cabellan, and other local educators, Mayor Ga promised to advocate for the necessary resources and infrastructure for the school. “Our commitment to education is ongoing. We are determined to find the best solutions to provide better facilities, more teachers, and more scholarships for our students,” Mayor Ga assured them.
The discussion also included the need for additional support for teachers in these remote areas. Mayor Ga and his team recognized that teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of their students, especially in less-accessible barangays. Ensuring that they have access to proper training, teaching materials, and adequate compensation is crucial to the success of these educational reforms.
One of the key initiatives proposed by Mayor Ga is the establishment of mobile libraries and computer literacy programs. These initiatives are aimed at providing resources to students in far-flung areas who do not have access to traditional school libraries or computer labs. With the assistance of technology and modern resources, Mayor Ga believes that students in the hinterland barangays can be on par with their counterparts in the city proper.
The meeting also addressed the importance of not just improving education facilities but also enhancing the overall well-being of students. Mayor Ga emphasized the significance of creating safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments for students to thrive. “A well-rounded education goes beyond textbooks. We need to ensure that our students are also mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy, which is why our education strategy will include wellness programs,” he said.
This visit to the Hinterland Barangays, particularly the Sultan Mamaringta Pandigan Integrated School, marks a crucial step toward bridging the gap in education. It was a testament to Mayor Ga’s commitment to leaving no one behind in his vision for a progressive Iligan. His proactive approach and hands-on leadership style are resonating with residents, who are now more hopeful than ever for the future of their children and the development of their community.
In the coming months, Mayor Ga’s office will be working closely with local barangay officials, the Department of Education, and other partners to ensure that the necessary support for education in these areas is realized. His campaign to improve access to quality education is just one of the many promises that he intends to fulfill as he works to transform Iligan into a city where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
As Mayor Ga left the school, there was a renewed sense of excitement among the students, teachers, and parents alike. It was clear that this visit had ignited a spark of hope in the community. “I’m glad to see how committed our leaders are in supporting our children’s education. We are excited for what’s ahead,” said one of the local parents.
With these efforts, the future of education in the hinterland barangays of Iligan looks brighter than ever. As the community moves forward, the foundation laid today will serve as a springboard for even greater achievements in the years to come.