Basco, Batanes — The 1st Provincial Local School Board (PLSB) Meeting of the Province of Batanes was convened at the Batanes Provincial Capitol last January 13, 2026, marking an important step in strengthening educational planning and support for the coming year.
The meeting was presided over by Hon. Ronald P. Aguto, Provincial Governor of Batanes, serving as PLSB Chairman, with Schools Division Superintendent Dante J. Marcelo acting as Co-Chairman. Members in attendance included Hon. Anastacia Viola, Chairperson of the Committee on Education; Ma. Cristina G. Caccam, Provincial Treasurer; Myron D. Pazziuagan, PTA Federated President; Melissa Monique M. Cabrejas, SK Federation President; and Virginia A. Vinalay, Non-Teaching Personnel Representative.
Also present were key education and provincial officials, namely Arnulfo Anselm C. Hortiz, Education Program Supervisor of SGOD and Head of the Secretariat; Dencio G. Eriful; Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Georgann G. Cariaso; Engr. Cristopher M. Valenzuela; and Serafin Valiente, Provincial Budget Officer.
During the meeting, the Board deliberated on and approved the 2026 Special Education Fund (SEF), ensuring the continued implementation of programs, projects, and activities aimed at improving the quality of basic education in the province.
In addition, the Board approved the charging of travel expenses to the Gender and Development (GAD) Fund of the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) for participants in the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) and the Regional Festival of Talents (RFOT). The representation expenses for RFOT, RSPC, and the CAVRAA (Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association) were likewise approved to be charged against the Special Education Fund (SEF), affirming the Province’s support for the academic, cultural, and sports development of learners. Further, the Provincial Governor granted approval for the processing and downloading of the Program Support Fund (PSF) to cover the attendance and participation of the Province of Batanes in the CAVRAA Meet in Santiago City, Isabela, and the Palarong Pambansa in Prosperidad, Surigao del Sur.
The conduct of the 1st PLSB Meeting underscores the strong collaboration between the provincial government and the education sector, reinforcing Batanes’ commitment to holistic learner development and responsible stewardship of education funds.