Institutionalization of the Last Mile and GIDA Schools Program.
Section 4
SEC. 4. Institutionalization of the Last Mile and GIDA Schools Program. - The Last Mile and GIDA Schools Program is hereby institutionalized under the administration of the DepEd to address gaps in resources, facilities, and other essential education inputs in schools and communities that have not met standard allocation criteria, particularly in the GIDAs: Provided, That an area may be identified for the establishment of a new Last Mile and GIDA School pursuant to this Act. The DepEd shall promulgate guidelines, based on evidence and measurable criteria, for the identification of schools and areas to be covered by the Program and aligned with the policy and objectives of this Act. Such guidelines shall be subject to periodic review and updating to ensure continued relevance and responsiveness to prevailing conditions. For purposes of this Act, the indicators used in identifying a public school as a Last Mile and GIDA School may include the following: (a) With more than seventy-five percent (75%) IP learners; (b) Located in or serving communities affected by conflict, insecurity, disaster vulnerability, or other conditions that significantly impede safe access to education; and (c) Any other indicators that the DepEd may deem necessary as criteria for the identification of Last Mile and GIDA Schools. The establishment of Last Mile and GIDA Schools within ancestral domains shall be undertaken in accordance with Republic Act No. 8371 or "The Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997" including compliance with Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) requirements.