SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon (PIA) -- Putting a premium on school children’s well-being, the provincial government of Sorsogon is bankrolling the production of vitamin-enriched bread for distribution to schoolchildren in the province.

The project called "Pan sa Paaralan" calls for the distribution of vitamin-enriched bread to public school learners from Kindergarten to Grade 6 in a bid to fight malnutrition.

The Pan sa Paaralan is a project under the 7K Kadunungan program of Sorsogon Gov. Edwin Hamor.

Hamor said children's health and nutrition are key factors in education.

The initial launch of the project benefited 400 schoolchildren in the municipality of Gubat.                       

Master baker Berni Derilon expressed gratitude for being hired and part of the Pan sa Paaralan project as it not only allows him to serve the students but also provides a means to sustain his family's needs.

Jonel E. Buergo, master teacher I and officer in charge of Casili Elementary School in Gubat, expressed his gratitude to the provincial government for this initiative. 

Arthur Balmadrid, the coordinator of 7K Kadunungan, said personnel which include bakers will be deployed in Sorsogon City and in 14 municipalities to run the program.

“Currently, we have 25 bakers and 51 helpers serving the different municipalities,” said Balmadrid.

To make the buns more attractive to students, the bread are called "Pan de Boboy" – after the governor’s nickname – and "Pan de Kalbo" in Bulan, named after Mayor Romeo Gordola's moniker.

Buergo also stated that the realization of the Pan sa Paaralan project is proof of the provincial government's initiative in supporting education and strengthening health, which will benefit the Sorsoganon students.

Furthermore, the distribution of free bread to elementary school students continues in full blast as they return to school after the long Christmas holiday.

Kadunungan (education) is one of the 7K flagship programs of Hamor’s governance with P100 million approved budget for this year’s enhanced 7K’s program implementation.

7K stands for Kabuhayan (livelihood), Kadunungan (education), Kalusugan (health), Kagandahan (beauty), Kalinisan (cleanliness), Kalikasan (environment), and Katrangkilohan (peace and order). It is a positive local initiative that contributes to the overall development and beautification of the province. (BR edited by EAD/ PIA5 Sorsogon)