Politics & Government
Roman Romulo Sponsored 'Last Mile Schools Act' Clears House
On September 9, 2024, the House of Representatives passed on second reading, House Bill No. 10823, known as the Last Mile Schools Act. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Roman Romulo of the lone district of Pasig and aims to establish public basic education schools in geographically isolated, disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas (GIDCA). The bill also provides for funding to build access roads to these areas.
“The Last Mile Schools Act is not just about building schools but establishing the future. It is about ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of where they live, no matter their cultural background, and notwithstanding the challenges posed by our country’s geography," said the Congressman.
Congressman Romulo chairs the Basic Education and Culture Committee of the House. In December of last year, a bill he also sponsored which raised public schoolteacher's supplies allowances, called the Teaching Supplies Allowance Act, also cleared the House.
Mr. Romulo's continued advocacy of improving the educational system in the Philippines has gained him respect and recognition among his colleagues in Congress and the education sector in general. He is the principal author of several bills including the Ladderized Education Act, the Iskolar ng Bayan Act, the Open Distance Learning Act and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act.
Sources: Wikipedia, Roman Romulo FB page; cover photo credit to GMA network
About the Author
Ricky Rionda '83
Ricky Rionda '83 is the Executive Editor of The Upsilon Sun. He is a senior consultant with the Capital Search Group, providing accounting, finance and project management services to multinational, publicly traded corporations and early-stage venture capital funded companies. Ricky studied political science in U.P. Diliman and was a reporter for the Philippine Daily Mirror and the Manila Times in his early career. He served as Vice President of the USPNA for 2022-2024 and president of the USPNA Southeast Chapter from 2000-2002. He also chaired the "Aksyon sa Washington" international reunion in 2000. Ricky migrated to the United States in 1986 and lives in the Washington D.C. area with his wife Marilyn. He has two sons, Nathan 28 and Matthew 20. He is a second-generation Upsilonian, the son of the late Roger S.A. Rionda '58.
