The Local School Board convened on March 26, 2026, at the CMO Conference Room to tackle key updates on student performance, budget allocations, and pressing social issues. Presided over by Mayor Rex C. Oliva, the meeting served as a platform to celebrate the successes of Irigueño learners while identifying critical areas that require immediate government intervention.
A major highlight of the session was the report on the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Iriga City’s performance in recent regional competitions. During the Regional Schools Press Conference held on January 27–30, followed by the Palarong Bicol on March 1–7, several students and athletes secured their spots as official qualifiers for their respective national stages. This success was further bolstered by the Regional Festival of Talents (RFOT) on March 11–13, where the city earned top honors, including first-place finishes in Likhawitan—which received special awards for Best Musical Arrangement, Best Song Composition, and Best Lyrics—and Pinasayaw. Iriga City also achieved a second-place finish in Cinemunti, along with awards for Best Director and Best Cinematographer, and high rankings in STEMAZING, Techno Fusion, Bake Cares, and Savor D’ Flavor.
To sustain this momentum, the board tackled proposed budget requests to support students representing the city on the national stage this April and May. Funding was prioritized for participants in the National Festival of Talents in Roxas City, Capiz; the National Schools Press Conference in Ormoc City, Leyte; and the Palarong Pambansa in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. In the latter, the city will compete in Billiards, Athletics, Arnis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Softball, and Para-Games focusing on Swimming Ortho and Bocce. Board members emphasized that consistent financial support is vital to ensuring these athletes, journalists, and artists can compete at the highest level and continue to hone their skills.
However, the meeting also addressed a deeply concerning rise in cases of rape involving students and minors in the city. Following a status report, the board engaged in a rigorous discussion on the urgent need for strengthened protection mechanisms. The Mayor called for intensified awareness campaigns and a more collaborative approach among schools, families, and local law enforcement to ensure a safer environment for the youth.
The meeting concluded with a reinforced commitment from the City Government to champion the academic, athletic, and artistic triumphs of its students while decisively confronting the social issues that threaten their safety. This dual focus ensures that the administration remains a steadfast guardian of both the potential and the protection of every Irigueño learner.
Source: Lungsod Ng Iriga