Manila, July 24 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act 12321, institutionalizing government support for public basic education schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) and other underserved communities.

Marcos signed RA 12321, or the Last Mile and GIDA Schools Act, on July 22. The measure establishes a nationwide program to address longstanding gaps in resources, facilities, and other essential education inputs in schools and communities that have not met standard allocation criteria.

Under the law, the Department of Education (DepEd) is required to develop and publish a National Last Mile and GIDA Schools Map within one year from the law's effectivity. The map will serve as the basis for ...