This city’s Barangay Balulang is vying to be recognized with the country’s best practice community program for its flagship project “BUSkwela.”

In an interview Friday, Barangay Balulang chairperson Edwin Micabani said the “Balulang BUSkwela: Driving Child Development through Provision, Protection and Participation” is currently being assessed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) central office.

“The BUSkwela program is one of 16 national finalists currently being assessed by the DILG to determine the country’s outstanding local government best practices,” he said.

Launched in 2023, two BUSkwela units provide free, safe, and reliable transportation for students. The initiative aims to protect children from road accidents, reduce the risks of walking along busy streets, and ensure regular school attendance, especially for learners residing in distant areas.

The school buses transport students to and from school daily, giving parents greater peace of mind regarding their children’s safety.

Balulang Elementary School has more than 3,000 students, making it impossible for the village’s two buses to accommodate all learners.

Micabani said the barangay hopes to acquire additional buses to expand the program’s reach, although sustaining the service remains a challenge due to rising fuel and maintenance costs.

The program has earned national recognition as one of the finalists in the 2025 Galing Pook Awards, making it the only entry from Northern Mindanao to reach the finals.

The initiative highlights how community-based transport solutions can promote children’s welfare, educational access, and inclusive local governance.

The Galing Pook Awards honors outstanding, innovative, and inclusive governance practices by local government units. (PNA)