Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has enacted Republic Act 12321, a landmark legislation aimed at institutionalizing government support for public basic education schools situated in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), as well as other underserved communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Last Mile and GIDA Schools Act, signed into law on July 22, establishes a comprehensive national program designed to address persistent deficiencies in resources, facilities, and vital educational inputs in schools and communities that have historically not met standard allocation criteria. The Department of Education (DepEd) is tasked with developing a National Last Mile and GIDA Schools Map within one year of the law's effectivity, which will guide planning, resource allocation, and program implementation.
The law mandates the DepEd to periodically review and update the schools map every three years to ensure its alignment with changing conditions and evolving educational needs. Schools located in or serving communities affected by conflict, insecurity, disaster vulnerability, or other conditions impeding safe access to education may be classified as Last Mile and GIDA schools. Additionally, schools where indigenous peoples constitute over 75 percent of learners may also qualify.
The legislation stipulates that establishing Last Mile and GIDA Schools within ancestral domains must align with Republic Act No. 8371, The Indigenous People's Rights Act of 1997, adhering to Free Prior and Informed Consent requirements. A national school accessibility standard is to be adopted by the DepEd to guide school siting, mapping, and infrastructure programming for public basic education institutions, inclusive of Last Mile and GIDA schools.
School infrastructure must comply with DepEd's minimum standards for public school facilities, ensuring that they are safe, durable, accessible, and resilient to climate and disaster conditions while being suitable for the communities they serve. The law also encourages integrating sustainable materials such as bamboo in the construction and rehabilitation of school facilities when feasible.
To enhance support for educators in underserved areas, the law directs the DepEd to collaborate with the Department of Budget and Management, local government units, and other agencies to provide a comprehensive support package for teachers and non-teaching personnel in these schools. Moreover, the DepEd is required to assess and report on learner participation, retention, and learning outcomes to ensure continuous monitoring and addressing of progress and gaps.
Funding for the implementation of RA 12321 will be included in the annual budgets of the relevant agencies under the General Appropriations Act. The law will become effective 15 days post-publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
