NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur  (PIA)—Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, accompanied by Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte gave away school bags to Lipata Elementary School pupils on Saturday, Aug. 27, as part of the Office of the Vice President’s PagbaBAGo program.

She also distributed relief packs to some families and shared her thoughts on family planning.

Lipata ES which is located at Sitio Lipata, Brgy. Gogon, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, is one of the learning institutions in the country that VP Sara referred to as “last mile” schools due to its limited accessibility, inadequate classrooms, and unstable supply of electricity. 

In her Facebook account, the Vice President acknowledged the great sacrifice of the teachers just to ensure that the children received the education that they deserve.

“Teaching in a last-mile school requires courage and every dose of persistence in your being. I commend you for your hard work and dedication, and I hope that you will continue to persevere against all challenges to teach our children 21st-century skills and develop them to become productive and responsible citizens of the country,” VP Sara wrote in her post.

VP Sara happily announced that Lipata ES pupils can now use the newly turned over six (6) classrooms from the Department of Education (DepEd).

She also graced the 66th Foundation Anniversary of the DepEd Naga City Teachers and Employees Association (DNACITEA) held at Robinsons Mall, Naga City.

In her message, she emphasized that teachers hold the power to shape the future of their students.

“In nation building, one of the strongest pillars that we had the noble privilege to nurture and influence is its people. They will become the future trailblazers who will carry on our mission of upholding excellence, propelling nationalism and integrity in the daily conduct of business, decision-making, and learning in their own fields. Sila po ang ating future presidents and vice presidents, mga senators, mayors and congressman natin.. Such is the power that lies in your hands, such is the accountability that it brings. You have carried your task relentlessly and continued to facilitate the pursuit of learning for the future leaders of our nation,” she said in her speech.

VP Sara described the teachers’ sacrifices as “priceless” as they continue to pursue their passion and dedication despite the challenge brought by the COVID pandemic. 

“During the pandemic, your efforts and honest struggles to withstand uncertainties are priceless. We know that you have weathered through challenges, but true to your advocacy, you have chosen to thrive. That itself is a laudable demonstration of high resilience worthy of emulation for our young generation,” VP Sara added. (PIA 5/Camarines Sur)