1CAV spearheads distribution of school supplies to children in remote village

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 20): 1CAV spearheads distribution of school supplies to children in remote village

Looking around  Man-ilan Elementary School in the rural community of Tukuran, one might think it is for privileged children.

Arnold Tagalog, the school head said it has large classrooms, a computer laboratory, a small garden, and large playground. “Children not only get traditional education here but they learn about art, technology and the English language,” he said.

“But the children who attend this school, which is more than 20-kilometers from the town proper don’t come from rich families. Instead, most are poor, and their parents struggle to provide for basic needs, so buying school supplies like pad papers, notebooks, pencils, crayons, erasers, and rulers is a luxury,” Tagalog explained.

Over the weekend, the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, 1st Field Artillery Battalion (1FAB), Army Artillery Regiment and the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCIFIC)   provided school supplies to 120 schoolchildren.

Students, parents, teachers, and barangay officials of Man-ilan were surprised by the generous gift.
“All the students were happy and parents were happy too. It’s really nice to receive these gifts from generous people,” Tagalog said.

Mayor Francisvic S. Villamero said the basic school supplies bring hope for children whose education is hindered by poverty. “I encourage you to strive hard in your studies. And I hope that you will grow as intelligent and industrious students,” the good mayor quoted.

Capt. Gabriel Lastimosa, civil-military operations officer of the 1st Cavalry Squadron said the distribution of school supplies project will motivate children to attend school and to take continued interest in their schooling.

“I believe that you will be motivated to go to school. We wish you success in your studies and become professionals in the future,” Lastimosa urged.

PAFCIFIC Manager Romelie Lawagon said they partnered with the project of 1CAV and 1FAB because this would help ease the financial burden of parents and give kids a good start of the school year.

She encouraged the children to study seriously, and not allow poverty to hinder their education, as she believes that education is a proven way to break the vicious cycle of poverty.

Lawagon said like them, she came from a poor family but along with her brothers and sisters, they strived hard in their studies and fulfilled their dreams of becoming professionals.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371466390799/1cav-spearheads-distribution-of-school-supplies-to-children-in-remote-village