KAPANGAN, Benguet – The Sangguniang Kabataan in this town has conducted donation drives to benefit schools, one of the worthwhile activities they engaged in during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a Laging Handa Briefing episode hosted by Presidential Communications Operations Office Asec. JV Arcena, Kapangan SK Federation president Godfrey Malone shared their group’s “Donasyon mo, edukasyon ko” program,” that aimed to raise funds for school supplies, hygiene kits, printers, and clothes for the learners.
Started in August, the SK initially targeted the far-flung schools that needed school supplies but when donations were pouring in, they expanded to other schools until they have covered all the 29 elementary schools in Kapangan.
The group distributed to schools bond papers, plastic folders, books, pencils, ballpens, notebooks, crayons, and hygiene kits. Schools in far-flung areas were also given clothes, notebooks, and crayons, said Malone.
Six schools namely Catiaoan Barrio School, Kaliwaga Barrio School, Ubod Barrio School, Tawang Barrio School, and Ampongot Barrio School also received a printer from the group.
Malone said they got the idea from the outreach program of the Vanguard of Christ Southwest Benguet Deanery reaching out to schools in partnership with the Kapangan SK Federation.
Seeing that it is a good program, Malone who chairs the sangguniang bayan’s committee on education, said the SK Federation came up with the donation program of their own pooling resources from kind-hearted friends, other people, and charitable organizations.
Malone said the local government led by Mayor Manny Fermin also supported the endeavor and provided food for the team during the distribution of materials apart from the provision of service vehicle.
Councilor Harris Dizon also allowed the use of his vehicle in the distribution of the materials. The Municipal Tourism Office also assisted in the donation program.
During the enhanced community quarantine, the SK also assisted students studying in La Trinidad and in Baguio City and their families by delivering relief goods to 670 individuals and families.
The SK also engaged in a “Hatid-sundo” program to persons who were stranded in Kapangan and cannot go back to their places due to the imposition of travel restrictions during the ECQ period. The SK members were mobilized to assist in bringing them back home in Atok, Buguias, and other areas soon after the lifting of the ECQ. – Susan C. Aro
