19/08/2026
๐๐๐๐ | The commitment of the Polytechnic College of Botolan (PCB) to community development shone brightly as accreditors Dr. Dalisay D. Brawner, Dr. Analiza Arcega, Dr. Ana Maria B. Fresnido, and Dr. Amalfi B. Tabin Jr. arrived at Lakas at approximately 8:50 a.m. today at Lakas to monitor its ongoing Community Extension initiatives, accompanied by the Institute of Education Dean, Dr. Myrna S. Pangan, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, Dr. Mark Gantang and Assitant Extension Coordinator, Maโam Juliana Degollado.
The Lakas community holds a rich history, having relocated to the area following a volcanic eruption in 1991. The program commenced with welcoming remarks and introductions from Fe Balbin, Lito Tubag Jugatan, and Yves Fabrigas, who officially welcomed the PCB accreditors and guests.
Following their arrival, the accreditors split into groups to thoroughly evaluate various program components: Dr. Arcega focused on the BECED and day-care initiatives; Dr. Tabin reviewed the BCAED and activities offered by PCB in the barangay; Dr. Fresnido inspected the library; and Dr. Brawner evaluated the BEED program.
During the visit, the accreditors interviewed program graduates, namely Carol Jugatan, Ordoja Jugatan, and Laureta Domulot. They reviewed the extension services provided by PCB in the school, which included outreach programs featuring learning sessions and feeding programs. Discussions also highlighted learning materials, authentic resources, and PCBโs steadfast dedication to helping Lakas. Both parties emphasized that even small-scale interventions create a profound, lasting impact on the community.
The program featured powerful insights and testimonies from local leaders and advisers. Fe Balbin, acting as adviser, highlighted the community's primary aspiration for Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED), ensuring that every single child gets to study so that no indigenous youth is left behind. She praised the implementation of IPED, which deeply impressed the accreditors, noting that these best practices serve as a model. Balbin stated, "Huwag silang kaawaan kundi tulungan sila. Turuan silang maabot ang pangarap," and added that they do not want to be viewed as perpetual beggars. She also called for strengthening the IPRA law and outlined a vision in which indigenous teachers educate their own youth.
Adding to these sentiments, tribal official Loret Bulanhigan emphasized the vital importance of maintaining cooperation, unity, and a strong, unbroken bond with their supporters. Tribal leader Ramel Cosme passionately spoke about cultural preservation, addressing parents' concerns that their culture might fade away with time. He powerfully affirmed, "Kahit hugasan ng ilang sabon ang kultura, hinding hindi ito mawawala", stressing the need to maintain their heritage. Furthermore, Lito Tubag Jugatan, chairperson of the Lakas community, restated their core goals: helping all indigenous youth finish their education while fiercely protecting their rights and culture.
The monitoring visit concluded around 10:00 a.m. with a traditional tribal dance and a prayer offered for Apo Namalyari, standing as a powerful testament to education, community partnership, and the enduring strength of indigenous culture in Lakas.
