The Natalged a Lasam Development Goal Pillars (NLDGPs) continue to be the blueprint of the leadership of Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep, ever since his first term of office in 2019.
With Academic Excellence being one such goal pillar, educational programs and activities are continually being carried-out by the local government unit. Now with Vice Mayor Dannah Paula T. Agatep helming the local legislature, fresh ideas are being infused in social services, more so in education.
Gabi ng Parangal: Pagkilala sa Galing ng Lasameño. This Paskuhan sa Lasam@75 event aims to inspire young Lasameños to strive for academic excellence toward improving their own life, or their family circumstance, education being a “great equalizer.”
Similar to the Tribute to Scholarly Lasameños in December 2023, the Gabi ng Parangal on December 19, 2025, is a 75th Aldaw ti Lasam Anniversary Special that also honors exemplary Lasameños beyond academic achievements. Honorees will be recognized up on the stage with a plaque of recognition and a token of appreciation for giving honor and pride to their hometown.
Also in June 2023, within the Tinupig Festival, the Search for Innovative Lasameño Awards or SILAW were conferred to deserving Lasameño achievers in various fields. Among the awardees was the late Atty. Edgar R. Lara, by far the only governor and lawmaker from the Municipality, honored for his outstanding government service.
Natalged a Lasam Education Assistance. As a continuing financial assistance among deserving Lasameño tertiary students, the NALEA program has since produced its first batch of college graduate-beneficiaries last year. Vice Mayor Dannah had earlier lobbied to increase the number of recipients, such that from just 50 recipients since its inception in 2019, more than 350 will be called for the next NALEA payout.
To ensure financially-challenged but deserving senior high school students from Lasam public schools to graduate from Grade 12, the Tuloy-Aral Program of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office was started two years ago, as a NALEA complement.
Natalged a Lasam Storytelling and Reading Caravan. This is LGU's legislated “Feed the Body, Feed the Mind,” both as a school- and community-based health and reading promotion program. To instigate beginning reading, storytelling sessions using highly visual big books are conducted among Daycare, Kinder, and Grades 1 to 3 pupils creating sparks of discovery to engender appreciation for reading. After a session, participants—in pairs—are asked to select a storybook to read together or after each other, before exchanging this to their neighbor or a school mate.
Started in late 2022, the Caravan has, so far gone to 15 barangays: thrice each to Alannay, Callao Norte/Sur, Sicalao; twice each to Cataliganan-Tagao, Cabatacan West, and Viga. Return schedule is being arranged for Ignacio B. Jurado and Malinta on November 25; Nabannagan West and Peru on December 5. Sessions for Centro 1, 2 and 3 are ongoing.
Project DEKSS: Developing and Empowering Knowledge Skills Seekers is the flagship program for educational or literacy development efforts of LGU-Lasam. Soon to break ground is Project DEKSS Learning Hub, which aims to establish a vibrant and accessible Youth Learning Center at the Natalged a Lasam Municipal Park.
Project DEKSS will empower young Lasameños by providing them with free access to essential learning resources and opportunities for personal and intellectual growth. The center will combine a "learn and play" concept, creating an engaging and stimulating environment for youth development.
LGU-Lasam is committed to bringing about programs, projects, and activities for the educational development of its young citizens, ultimately contributing to socio-economic progress.# — A. Ursua
