Program to save learners from dropping out of school launched in Surigao Sur
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
SAN
MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – The Provincial Convergence Advisory
Committee (PCAC) in Surigao del Sur launched the program dubbed “Lahutay
Tungha: Reach a Child” to save learners at risk of dropout at Libas Sud
Integrated School in Barangay Libas Sud, San Miguel on April 12.
The pilot
program initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
Department of Education (DepEd) Surigao del Sur Division, and other significant
partner stakeholders, as members of the committee, will provide timely
intervention to help students and pupils at risk of dropping out (S/PARDO) of
school.
The Lahutay Tungha: Reach a Child is a local program and initiative of
the Provincial Convergence Advisory Committee (PCAC) in Surigao del Sur.
The launching of the program took place at Libas Sud Integrated School
in Barangay Libas Sud, San Miguel on April 12. This program addresses
dropout cases in schools of the province, especially learners residing
in remote areas. Photo courtesy of DSWD - SDS.
DSWD Provincial Officer Meiraflor Cabigon said, “The program was conceptualized last year as a result of the research study conducted in all schools of DepEd - Surigao del Sur Division that showed the prevalence of S/PARDO, especially among learners residing in remote or far-flung barangays in the province.”
“The
research also indicated a list of schools in the province with high and
alarming numbers of S/PARDO, such as Libas Sud Integrated School,” Cabigon
added.
Cabigon
disclosed that the school has a total of 80 students identified as S/PARDO,
comprising 25 pupil-ARDOs and 55 student-ARDOs. Further, 39 of them were
children under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
The study showed primary root causes based on interviews conducted with parents as respondents, such as some learners' lack of interest in going to school due to poverty and hunger in the family.
Adding to
the situation is the distance of the school from their residence, and they
needed to cross a stream to reach the nearest school in the area, including the
painstaking journey on rough and muddy roads, especially during the rainy
season.
The Provincial Convergence Advisory Committee (PCAC) in Surigao del Sur
identified 80 learners from Libas Sud Integrated School in Barangay
Libas Sud, San Miguel to participate as beneficiaries of the program on
Lahutay Tungha: Reach a Child. These learners will receive support such
as feeding and nutritional assistance, fare assistance and other support
from the members of the committee and stakeholders. Photo courtesy of
DSWD-SDS.
Provincial
Nutrition Office chief Miloniza Serra said, “The provincial government of
Surigao del Sur, through the Provincial Nutrition Office (PNO), provided a
month of dietary supplementation known as ‘Nutripack’ intended for the 80
identified learners.“
Another
intervention made by the committee is the provision of free fare from April to
May to the 34 learners who are living in far-flung areas, funded by the local
government unit of San Miguel with a total amount of P56,760.
Babyjen
Libura, as a beneficiary of the program, expressed her gratitude to the people
behind the program for the help she received so she could continue with her
studies.
“Salamat
sa Lahutay Tungha nga programa kay dako kini nga tabang sa ako para mapadayon
ako pag-eskwela. Labina layo ang amo eskwelahan sa among panimalay. Usahay
moeskuyla da lamang kami nan way kinaon tungod sa kalisud,” Libura said.
[Thank
you for the Lahutay Tungha as it greatly helps me continue my education,
especially since our school is far from our house. Sometimes we go to school
hungry because we do not have food to eat due to poverty.]
Meanwhile, to sustain the program and initiative of PCAC, partner stakeholders are also committed to the provision of hot meals for schoolchildren and beneficiaries. (NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
