Legarda files 19 local bills to improve access and quality of education in Antique

Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda has filed 19 local bills seeking to convert and establish public schools in Antique to address the need for better access to quality primary and secondary education for school children in the province without them having to go far from their communities.

“Let not one child be deprived of the opportunity to learn and be taught so he or she can have a better and brighter future. If the proximity becomes a hindrance for a child to go to school, then let’s bring the school closer to where the students are,” said Legarda.

“With this, I hope to further bring down the number of out-of-school youth as well as to improve the quality of education. Having easier access to education gives them no reason to stop going to school,” Legarda added.

Legarda underscored the need to invest on education to lessen illiteracy and alleviate poverty in the province. “Providing access to quality education is one of the best investments we can make to lessen illiteracy and alleviate poverty. This children are the future leaders of our province. Investing in their education will not only boost their morale but will also be our driving force to push our province towards its long overdue progress.”

Among the elementary schools endorsed for conversion to integrated schools are Igsoro Elementary School in the Municipality of Bugasong; Lupaan and Santiago Elementary Schools in the Municipality of Laua-an; Pucio Elementary School in the Municipality of Libertad; Bacalan Elementary School in the Municipality of Sebaste; Manlacbo Elementary School in the Municipality of Valderrama; and Capoyuan Elementary School in the Municipality of Barbaza.

Meanwhile, the establishment of elementary schools in the following barangays was likewise proposed under the bills recently filed: Brgy. Tica in the Municipality of Bugasong; Brgys. Leon, Tigunhao, San Ramon, and Virginia in the Municipality of Laua-an; Brgys. Codiong and Tinindugan in the Municipality of Libertad; Brgys. Igmasandig, Cananghan, and Cansilayan in the Municipality of Valderrama; Brgy. Mayabay in the Municipality of Barbaza; and Brgy. San Isidro in the Municipality of Tibiao.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Legarda also filed House Bill No. 5115, which is an Act Establishing a Satellite Branch of LTO in the Municipality of Pandan to bring LTO services closer, not only to the residents of Pandan, but to those residing in neighboring municipalities in Antique and the province of Aklan as well, to ensure that efficient motor vehicle registrations and issuance of licenses is provided to the transacting clients.***