BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Hope now runs on electricity and satellite internet in Sitio Tagpangi, Brgy. Simbalan as Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School has become the first school energized through solar power under the Marcos administration’s 295-school Last Mile Electrification Program—a joint effort by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

After years of reading in dim classrooms and teaching with limited tools, students of Higaonon tribe and teachers in this remote indigenous community now experience the ability to learn under proper lighting and to connect with the world. 

On June 19, 2025, DepEd and NEA, led the energization and digital activation of the school—delivering solar power, Starlink internet, and digital learning devices to Sitio Tagpangi.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara and his team personally made the journey—crossing two rivers and navigating remote mountain roads—to witness the school’s transformation through the ₱1.295-billion ‘Last Mile Schools’ Electrification Program, a key initiative of the Marcos administration.

During a live virtual dialogue with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who joined the event from Quezon City, Secretary Angara gave a progress update.

“This is an IP school. They got their electricity first Monday, thanks to the quick work of NEA and DOE,” Sec. Angara reported. “This is the first school. After the successful launch, they will roll out simultaneously.” 

Agusan del Norte Governor Angelica Amante, who was also on-site, also thank the President and the agencies for bringing the initiative to the remote areas like Sitio Tagpangi.

“Ang tribe po na nandito ngayon are the Higaonon tribe. Ngayon po very excited na sila pumasok. Hindi katulad dati na ayaw nila pumasok,” Gov. Amante said.

President Marcos affirmed his support for the complete rollout of all 295 schools, part of a larger national effort to ensure no student is left behind in the country’s digital and educational transformation.

“Maganda yung bago ninyong laruan. Gamitin niyo nang husto ‘yan, marami kayong matututunan. Pararamihin pa natin ito especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs),” the President said.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda committed to completing the full rollout within the year: “I committed to Sec. Sonny that 295 Last Mile Schools will be covered and rolled out within the year.”

The February 5, 2025 memorandum of agreement between NEA and DepEd paved the way for the rollout, with funding from DepEd and on-site implementation by NEA and Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO). The solar installation also benefits nearby households in the Higaonon community.

As DepEd, DOE, NEA, and local cooperatives move forward, the story of Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School proves that lasting change begins where learners need it most. For Sitio Tagpangi, the project is not just about electricity and connection—it’s a future switched on.

*All Photos from Deped