SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has expressed support for a measure seeking to institutionalize stronger government assistance for public basic education schools located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

Estrada backed Senate Bill No. 1937, which aims to provide sustained support for schools in remote communities where learners and teachers often struggle with limited access to basic services and infrastructure.

The senator emphasized that students in these areas face numerous barriers to education, including the lack of classrooms, learning materials, teachers, electricity, and reliable water supply.

Many students, he added, are forced to travel long and difficult distances—sometimes crossing rivers or climbing mountains—just to reach their schools.

“These physical and structural challenges consume their energy even before they can engage in learning and limit their ability to fully enjoy the educational experience,” Estrada said.

Citing data from the Basic Education Development Plan 2030, Estrada noted that there are 10,875 GIDA barangays nationwide, representing about 35.87 percent of all barangays in the country.

He also pointed out that the country currently has 1,044 remote schools and 86 extremely remote schools.

While acknowledging that initiatives such as the Last Mile Schools Program and partnerships with other government agencies and the private sector have helped address some gaps in remote communities, Estrada said more comprehensive and institutionalized support is still needed.

The proposed GIDA Schools Act seeks to coordinate and consolidate government efforts to improve school facilities and ensure access to electricity, internet connectivity, and other essential services.

Estrada said the measure would help provide learners and teachers in isolated communities with the resources and support needed to improve the quality of education in these areas.