School children in Caraga receive school kits

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 4): School children in Caraga receive school kits

Some 20,670 school kits were distributed by the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army to the pupil recipients from Kindergarten to Grade Six who are enrolled at the different public schools throughout Caraga region.

As disclosed by 4ID assistant division commander BGen. Paul Atal during the Project Shoebox Distribution Ceremony held recently here, the 'aral kits' containing notebooks, pencils, crayons, and other school supplies intended to be distributed among indigenous and deprived pupils in conflict affected areas, was initiated by a generosity-driven soldier in the person of Col. Thomas Sedano, battalion commander of 4th Light Battalion Armor.

“Now is the reaping time of the then conceptualized effort to collect several school supplies to be given to the underprivileged children- a synergy to help address the problem on education specifically the materials needed for pupil's learning,” expressed BGen Atal.

He thanked all their partners who supported in the realization of the project and advocacy for peace and development.

Atal also said the project shoebox is their way of sharing their blessings to the underprivileged children especially in the far-flung areas.

Meanwhile, Brgy. Councilor Regalado Gerzon, chairman of the Committee on Education, Brgy. Bancasi in Butuan City and a retired Phil. Army officer said during his welcome address that they are glad that the services of the government especially of the Phil. Army has extensively reached among civilian populace, the pupils who need much support for their education.

In expressing his amazement and support to the Project Shoebox, DILG Caraga assistant regional director Donald Serona recalled how the underprivileged children strive hard just to acquire education, and so he addressed the pupil recipients to give value to what they have received - the school kits as it will somehow aid them in uplifting the difficulties of getting proper education from school.

He added that it is an important component in the social services of an institution, and that he greatly appreciates the noble endeavor of AFP and its partners.

Also, speaking in behalf of indigenous peoples (IPs), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga regional director Atty. Pinky Grace Pabelic recognized the significant endeavor of the Phil. Army and other stakeholders in giving priority to educational assistance through 'aral kits.'

“Keep holding onto your dreams because the future belongs to those who believe in their dreams, and achieve those dreams with all your might amidst obstacles and struggles in going to school,” addressed Atty. Pabelic.

In a deeper meaning of gaining momentum and success of the Project Shoebox, Phil. Information Agency Caraga regional director Abner Caga stressed that it is through the benevolent heart of the uniformed men of AFP and other sponsors that ensures continuity of the advocacy.

“Hence, it is just appropriate to acknowledge their efforts in helping address the hindrances of getting the right education among less fortunate children,” said Caga.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ramil Uytico, assistant regional director of Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga enunciated that said project will not just address the problem of poverty but it will surely go a long way including the decrease of drop-outs.

He added that it is a message of more than the contents of the shoebox, such that it takes a village to educate and escalate the level of education, and not a responsibility of the DepEd alone.

“This is a celebration of hope and generosity,” underscored Uytico.

Every child gladly received each share of shoebox. It is hoped that the advocacy will strengthen as more public and private institutions are expected to take sponsorship of the said project.

It was learned that Regions 10 and 13 pupil recipients received a total of 32,739 school kits from the Project Shoebox of the 4ID, Philippine Army.

The Project Shoebox is an initiative and in partnership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Education (DepEd), National Bookstore Foundation and 2GO Express.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2761467614388/school-children-in-caraga-receive-school-kits-from-phil-army