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 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.
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.
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)
