Aspirant Mayor Roy Ga, in his visit to Sultan Mamaringta Pandigan Integrated School in Barangay Bonbon, expressed deep concern about the education challenges faced by students in the hinterland barangays. His experience at the school was a pivotal moment, as he noted the overwhelming number of students in the area but the lack of senior high school options. The limited educational opportunities in remote areas have long been a barrier to many young Iliganons who have the potential to succeed but are hindered by their geographic location.
“I saw how many students are eager to learn, but there are no senior high school options available to them. Education should not only be for those in the central parts of the city, it should be accessible to every Iliganon,” Roy Ga emphasized during his speech. His words reflected his strong belief that education is a fundamental right for all, regardless of where one lives.
This visit further fueled Roy Ga’s commitment to ensuring that education reaches every corner of Iligan. He acknowledged that while the city’s central areas have sufficient educational institutions, the need to extend these resources to more remote barangays is urgent. “It’s not just about building schools in the city center; we need to focus on bringing quality education to our hinterland barangays, where our youth face greater challenges in accessing learning opportunities,” he said.
Roy Ga’s vision for a more inclusive educational system includes the establishment of more schools, the improvement of existing ones, and the introduction of mobile learning centers in these far-flung areas. His plan aims to provide accessible education to all students, ensuring that they are given the same opportunities to excel and reach their full potential.
The community of Barangay Bonbon, including parents, teachers, and students, were grateful for Roy Ga’s attention to their struggles. The school principal, Cherry Ann Cabellan, shared how challenging it has been for students who wish to continue their education beyond the basic levels. “Many of our students dream of furthering their education, but due to the lack of facilities, they are forced to give up on those dreams. Having a senior high school here would be life-changing for them,” she explained.
Roy Ga, alongside City Councilor Nhicolle Capangpangan, emphasized the importance of working together to bring about these changes. “Education must be prioritized, not just as a means of learning, but as a vehicle for social mobility and empowerment,” Councilor Capangpangan stated. The unity between the local government, school officials, and the community was clear in their shared desire to address the gaps in the educational system.
The visit also shed light on the necessity of addressing not only the infrastructure needs but also the overall quality of education. With Roy Ga’s leadership, plans for better teacher training, access to digital tools, and updated curriculums are already in the works. This initiative will help ensure that students are not only given access to education but also equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Roy Ga’s visit to Barangay Bonbon and his commitment to the education of Iligan’s youth highlight the importance of leadership that listens to the needs of the people and works toward solutions. “This is just the beginning,” said Roy Ga. “Together, we can build an Iligan where every student, regardless of their background or location, has the chance to succeed.”
His message resonated with the community, who are now more hopeful than ever that their voices are being heard, and that the future of their children will be brighter with the support of a dedicated and proactive leader. With these plans in motion, Iligan’s educational landscape is set to improve, making education accessible and equitable for all. The community’s unity, the government’s dedication, and the collaborative efforts of local leaders are key to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge.