Army, Kapuso Foundation bring school supplies to Iloilo villages

By Jennifer P. Rendon

More than 1,000 school children from 28 public elementary schools in some remote villages of Iloilo province benefited from the assistance from the GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc. (GMAKFI) Technical Education.

The Kapuso Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) – Iloilo and the 61st Infantry Battalion, distributed school supplies and anti-COVID-19 hygiene kits to 1,062 Kinder and Grade 1 learners residing in the remote and underserved areas of Iloilo province.

Held on September 28 – 30, the three-day activity saw members of GMA Kapuso and other stakeholders, together with elements of the 61IB, trekked to the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in the municipalities of Sta. Barbara and Oton.

By providing children with complete sets of school materials, it was aimed to inspire parents to continue encouraging and motivating their children to study and remain in school.

In strict observance of health protocols, parents received the packages on behalf of their children.

The activity saw the convergence of GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc, Regional Coordinator represented by Amabelle Russiana; DepEd – Iloilo led by Dr. Ma Fe Brillante; the 301st Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General Marion Sison; Colonel Noemi Nepumuche of the 604th Community Defense Center; and the 61st Infantry Battalion.

Russianna underscored the importance of parental support and learning guidance among children, especially during the pandemic.

“To fill-up the gaps in education, the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc, DepEd, and the Philippine Army joined hands in giving school materials and bringing back the interest of the children to learning and education,” Russianna said.

Emphasizing that it is not all the time that we need give big things, “it is the sum of small contributions that help achieve the bigger purpose. Education is one of the keys to reach one’s dreams,” she added.

Sison has also stressed the importance of instilling the value of education among the children, especially those living in GIDAs.

“We must empower these children through education.  No child should be left behind. We have to implement innovative programs and activities to help them learn. This way, they do not lose hope in reaching for their dreams. These simple contributions will support their educational needs amidst the pandemic,” Sison said.

By providing these children with opportunities to help them discover their hidden skills and develop their abilities, Sison said that are honed into responsible individuals and potential leaders of our nation.