Education Sexretary Sonny Angara and other Department of Education officials visit Pag-asa Integrated School in Pag-asa Island to deliver learning materials and consult with teachers and parents. (Photo from Office of Education Secretary Sonny Angara)
MANILA, Philippines – Education Secretary Sonny Angara and other DepEd officials visited Pag-asa Integrated School in Kalayaan Island in the West Philippine Sea to deliver laptops and other learning materials and to consult with teachers and parents.
In a statement on Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd) said this is the first time an education secretary visited the island.
The teachers received a total of 15 laptops while the students got 109 school bags school supplies.
“With this technology, we hope to lighten the workload of our teachers and unlock the potential of our learners. President Bongbong Marcos has directed us to harness modern tools to strengthen education and uplift the future of our youth,” Angara said.
Angara and other DepEd officials met with teachers, parents, and local leaders to discuss how to make education more accessible.
The officials also discussed transport and housing initiatives for the residents.
Angara said that “[t]his mission embodies our dedication to ensuring that no Filipino learner is left behind.”
There are at least 350 civilians living in Pag-asa Island.
The Kalayaan Group of Islands, which include Pag-asa island, is a territorial part of the Philippines under Republic Act No. 9552 and Presidential Decree No. 1596.
The West Philippine Sea has been the subject of constant aggression from China.
The Philippine Navy previously said that a total of 34 Chinese vessels were monitored at Ayungin Shoal, Sabina Shoal, and Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.