MEMBERS of the Senate and House of Representatives have signed the bicameral conference committee report on a proposed measure that seeks to strengthen support for schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).

The reconciled version of Senate Bill No. 1937 and House Bill No. 4745—known respectively as the GIDA Schools Act and the Last Mile Schools Act—aims to institutionalize government assistance for public basic education institutions in remote communities. These schools have long struggled with shortages in classrooms, teachers, and essential learning materials.

Senator Bam Aquino, sponsor of the Senate measure, led the upper chamber’s delegation during the bicameral meeting with House counterparts at the Senate Office in Pasay City. He was joined by Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Joel Villanueva.

The proposed legislation seeks to address persistent gaps in education services in far-flung areas by ensuring sustained government support, including improved infrastructure, sufficient teaching personnel, and adequate learning resources.

Once enacted, the measure is expected to expand access to quality education for students in remote communities and help narrow the gap between urban and rural school systems.