Sen. Legarda files bill to improve last mile schools

Senator Loren Legarda has filed Senate Bill No. 1412, the Last Mile Schools bill, to improve education in geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected areas.

The bill aims to officially recognize and institutionalize last mile schools under the Department of Education.

These schools will serve learners in remote and underserved locations, including Indigenous Cultural Communities.

Legarda emphasized the need for basic amenities, stating, "We can't expect children to learn or teachers to stay if we don't first provide the most basic conditions for education."

Data from EDCOM II reveals that about 1,500 out of 9,000 remote schools lack electricity, and many also have inadequate sanitation and unsafe learning environments.

The legislation mandates DepEd to collaborate with other government agencies, such as DPWH for access roads, DOE and NEA for power, and DICT for internet connectivity, to address these gaps.