NAGTIPUNAN, Quirino, March 28 (PIA) — The Diuryong Elementary School at Sitio Dionuan, Dicimungal here, the first ever school exclusively for the Agtas in the country, hold its first commencement exercises with at least 10 pupils as its pioneer graduates.

Alona David, the class valedictorian thanked the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, provincial government of Quirino and the Asisi Foundation for making education accessible to the Agtas. She said she wants to be a teacher so that she can help in the educational needs of her fellow Agtas.

Meanwhile, Vicente Lizardo, the teacher-in-charge and adviser of the Grades 4, 5 and 6 class, said he is confident that the graduates are ready for Grade 7 as they were given quality education despite the limited teaching materials in the area.

“We requested books from the Department of Education and we also borrowed additional reference materials from other teachers to ensure that our pupils will not be left behind,” he said.

Lizardo disclosed that there were those times when their pupils felt that they were neglected or discriminated but through constant motivation of the teachers and their exposure to activities with other schools, they grew more confident.

The teacher-in-charge said that there are three teachers who are handling multi-grades, one each for K-2 and grade 1 (28 pupils); Grades 2 & 3 (23 pupils) and Grades 4,5 & 6 (30 pupils).

He admitted that they had difficulties handling multi-grade classes although there were only few pupils because they need to prepare learning activities that can hold the attention of the other grade while they are teaching the other one.

Lizardo said they are hoping that their school will be given additional teachers and instructional materials in the next school year.