Kalinga exec stresses importance of education

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – An official here underscored the importance of education in the development and progress of community as he urged students to take seriously their studies and become productive citizens.

Dr. Caroline Agyao, who represented Kalinga Representative Manuel Agyao, stressed this during the three-day event celebrating the first anniversary of the Macutay-Palao (MaPa) National High School in barangay Macutay in Rizal, Kalinga with the theme: ‘Commemorating Jubilantly MaPa’s Golden Events: Bringing a ray of hope to everyone.’

The establishment of the school started with a survey on August 30, 2004, proposing a partial of land in Macutay, Rizal to establish a high school to cater to both the Kalinga and Cagayan students living in the area.

The school was realized with the donation of land through Presidential Proclamation No. 879 issued by then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo reserving a five-hectare land for the establishment of the Rizal National School of Arts and Trade – Macutay Annex.

Through the leadership of Mayor Marcelo dela Cruz, the school was initially established during the school year 2002-2003 by the local government unit of Rizal, Kalinga.

On January 7, 2010, the school became a national high school through Republic Act 9917 sponsored by Kalinga Lone District Representative Manuel Agyao and 3rd District of Cagayan Representative Manuel Mamba.

RA 9917 is an act converting the Rizal National School of Arts and Trade – Macutay Annex in Barangay Macutay, into an independent national high school to be known as Macutay-Palao National High School, separating it from the Rizal National School of Arts and Trade. (Geraldine Dumallig)