131 classrooms to be built under new last-mile schools law next year

MANILA, Philippines — Around 131 classrooms will be built for last-mile schools next year, following the passage of a law that institutionalizes support for geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (Gida), according to a lawmaker on Tuesday.

During the House sponsorship and plenary deliberations on the proposed budget of the Department of Education (DepEd) for next year, Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña asked Davao de Oro Rep. Maricar Zamora about the proposed budget for last-mile schools. Zamora, the agency’s budget sponsor, answered queries from her fellow lawmakers.

Zamora said there is a proposal of P1.9 billion for last-mile schools under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP). Under the 2027 NEP, the DepEd and its attached agencies are allotted P975.96 billion, including retirement insurance premiums.

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READ: Marcos signs Gida School Act to fund remote public schools

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Cendaña also asked why the proposed budget for the last mile schools is not included in the line item, to which Zamora answered: “Hindi lang siya nagreflect (It did not reflect) as to line item because it’s included already in the lump presentation under basic education facilities.”

Zamora also shared that DepEd is currently drafting the implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act (RA) No. 12321, or the Last Mile and Gida Schools Act. She added that it is expected to be released by November, in time for the deadline set by the law. 

READ: Last Mile Schools Act seen as lifeline for Zambo del Sur’s remote learners

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed RA No. 12321 on July 22, 2026. Under the law, a public school may be classified as Gida school if it is located in, or serves communities affected by “conflict, insecurity, disaster vulnerability, or other conditions that significantly impede safe access to education.”

The Second Congressional Commission on Education earlier said that there were 9,000 last mile schools in the country with 2.5 million students. /jpv