ILOILO City – To ease mobility challenges faced by teachers in far-flung and island barangays, the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Iloilo has rolled out a program providing motorcycles and is working on acquiring motorboats for schools in remote areas.
Schools Division Superintendent Ernesto Servillon Jr. said the initiative stemmed from his visits to island schools, where he observed the high transportation costs and risks endured by teachers.
“When I visited some schools on the island, I saw how expensive the rent for the banca was and the risks to our teachers’ lives. So, I conceptualized a program that could help our teachers both economically and in terms of efficiency in performing their duties,” Servillon explained.
The program has started with the donation of five motorcycles from private partners. The first unit, donated by City Savings Bank, was turned over to a school in Alimodian town in the 2nd District, to be shared by a cluster of five to six schools. Four more units are expected to arrive this month for distribution to Iloilo’s other congressional districts.
“This is just a start because, for now, that is the only available resource. But my target is one motorcycle per school,” Servillon added.
The upkeep of the motorcycles will be shouldered either by the local government unit or charged to the schools’ maintenance and other operating expenses.
Meanwhile, DepEd Iloilo has also sought the assistance of a private foundation to provide motorboats for teachers and students in island schools. Servillon said the acquisition is taking longer because of cost, noting that a motorized banca capable of carrying 20 people costs around P400,000, compared to motorcycles which cost between P50,000 and P70,000.
Initially, one motorboat will be assigned to the biggest island school and shared among nearby schools. It may also be used by students during school activities in the mainland, easing the financial burden on their parents.
More than 30 schools in the municipalities of Ajuy, Carles, Concepcion, and Estancia are situated in island barangays. Servillon expressed hope that at least one motorized banca can be released within this school year. (PNA)
