75K Iloilo City public school learners get free school supplies

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

More than 75,000 public school learners from kindergarten to senior high school across Iloilo City are set to benefit from free school supplies distributed by the city government as the new school year opened on Monday, June 8.

The distribution formally kicked off in three major public high schools on Monday, with a total of 13,513 school supply kits distributed.

City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu led the distribution at Iloilo City National High School, which received 6,522 kits. Ramon Avanceña National High School received 3,578 kits, while Mandurriao National High School (MNHS) was allotted 3,413 kits.

The initiative is part of the city’s Initiative to Share Kits that Uplift Learners (ISKUL) Program, which aims to ease the financial burden on families at the start of the academic year.

The city government acknowledged that the distribution coincided with the opening of classes, when some parents had already purchased school supplies.

However, Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, the mayor’s spokesperson, said parents had been “informed” and given a “heads up” about the free school supplies from the city government.

Meanwhile, Treñas-Chu said the local government is also studying the possibility of expanding assistance next year to include free school bags for public school students.

She added that the city government plans to gradually broaden educational assistance annually to further support learners and improve access to basic school needs.

“Here in Iloilo City, no one is left behind; each sector has programs and services that will cater to their needs,” Treñas-Chu said.

During her visit to MNHS, Treñas-Chu said two major building projects are underway at the school — one funded through the office of Sen. Bam Aquino and another through the city government via the Special Education Fund — to address classroom shortages and reduce shifting schedules.

She noted that plans are also being studied to expand the school’s gymnasium to support sports and youth development.

At Iloilo City National High School, she said the city is also planning the construction of a gymnasium by 2027 to improve the learning environment and student development.

Treñas-Chu also announced that housing units will be allocated for public school teachers under the city’s housing projects in Barangays Sambag, San Isidro, West Habog-Habog, and Hibao-an, subject to qualification requirements.

She said the initiative is part of the city government’s effort to support teachers’ welfare and recognize their contribution to education and the community.