• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The city governments of Bacolod and Sagay have started the distribution of free bags and other school supplies to some 153,000 students amid the opening of classes June 8.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya led the distribution of free school supplies and P.E. uniforms at A.L. Jayme Elementary School June 8 to officially launch the distribution program that is expected to benefit around 113,000 students, from kindergarten to Senior High School, enrolled in public schools under the Department of Education–Division of Bacolod.
The city-wide distribution continued at Kabugwason Elementary School, Mandalagan ES, and Abkasa ES, with Gasataya and several councilors handing out school kits to students on the first day of classes, the city said.
In Sagay, 40,674 students, including Alternative Learning System learners, started receiving age-appropriate materials since June 1, under the “Lapis kag Papel” program of the city government, which allotted P19 million.
The distribution, now in its eighth year, will continue until June 25, the city said, adding the educational support covers learning materials for kindergarten, SHS, and ALS students.
Gasataya, meanwhile, assured parents that late enrollees and transferees, who were not included in the initial estimates, will also receive school supplies. “We are making every effort to ensure that even late enrollees receive the school supplies they need. We will coordinate with DepEd to determine the number of late enrollees, as many transferees were not included in the original estimates. They do not have to worry because the city is preparing for this.”
Nearly P90 million from the Special Education Fund was allocated for the purchase of school bags and supplies, the city had said. This is aside from P15 million allotted under City Ordinance 09-16-787, series of 2016, which provides free educational materials to all students of public elementary schools in Bacolod.
Gasataya had emphasized that the city remains committed to supporting students and easing the financial burden on families. “This is an investment in the future of the youth of Bacolod. That’s why we are allocating enough resources to make it easier for students so there will be no reason for them not to stay in school.”
Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, who led the distribution of school supplies with Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., and DepEd Sagay officials, said the program reflects the city’s continuing effort to respond to the changing needs of learners.
“This is not only about giving school supplies,” Cueva said in a city press release. “We want to provide tools that can help our learners participate better in class, improve their performance, and prepare for future opportunities.” | CGC
