Educational Needs Assessment of Piagao Primary School: Basis for an Extension Program Proposal

This qualitative study examines the educational needs of Piagao Primary School, a geographically isolated island school situated on Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo. Using semi-structured interviews with four teachers, eight students, and eight parents, supplemented by on-site observations, the study identified key challenges confronting the school community. Findings highlighted deficiencies in instructional resources, limited teacher preparation for inclusive education, weak awareness of Gender and Development (GAD) policies, low parental participation, and difficulties in producing localized learning materials. These results underscore the urgent need for a collaborative extension program anchored in capacity building, resource provision, and community involvement. The study thus provides an evidence-based foundation for the Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) program to design and implement an extension initiative tailored to the realities of Piagao Primary School.