Manila: This city's Barangay Balulang is vying to be recognized with the country's best practice community program for its flagship project "BUSkwela."

According to Philippines News Agency, Barangay Balulang chairperson Edwin Micabani stated that the "Balulang BUSkwela: Driving Child Development through Provision, Protection and Participation" is currently being assessed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) central office. The BUSkwela program is one of 16 national finalists currently being evaluated by the DILG to determine the nation's outstanding local government best practices.

Launched in 2023, the initiative includes two BUSkwela units that provide free, safe, and reliable transportation for students. The primary objective is to protect children from road accidents, reduce the risks associated with walking along busy streets, and ensure regular school attendance, particularly for those living in distant areas. The school buses transport students to and from school daily, offering parents greater peace of mind regarding their children's safety.

Balulang Elementary School has over 3,000 students, presenting a challenge for the village's two buses to accommodate all learners. Micabani expressed the barangay's hope to acquire additional buses to expand the program's reach. However, sustaining the service remains a challenge due to rising fuel and maintenance costs.

The BUSkwela program has garnered national attention as one of the finalists in the 2025 Galing Pook Awards, marking it as the sole entry from Northern Mindanao to reach the finals. The initiative emphasizes how community-based transport solutions can enhance children's welfare, educational access, and inclusive local governance. The Galing Pook Awards recognizes outstanding, innovative, and inclusive governance practices by local government units.