In far-flung towns like Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, the challenge of the daily commute is not traffic jams but crossing rivers in unpredictable weather. Teachers and students in the capital of the country’s southernmost province are proving that geographical circumstances need not be a hindrance to getting an education.
“Seven out of 10 children can read,” Mayor Jimuel Que proudly says, as a result of a community reading program launched three years ago. Multicabs have also been deployed to the different districts to ease the daily travel to school.
For these and other initiatives, Bongao was awarded, for the third consecutive year, the Seal of Good Education Governance by Synergeia Foundation (Synergeia), a coalition of organizations promoting quality education, and the United States Agency for International Development.
Up north, Bacnotan in La Union was awarded for a program that teams up teachers with barangay officials in improving child literacy. The on-ground learning series proves that one doesn’t necessarily have to be a teacher to champion quality education.
Eighteen other cities and municipalities were recognized for promoting and sustaining good education for their citizens—Agoo, La Union; Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental; Datu Paglas, Maguindanao; Diffun, Quirino; Kayapa, Nueva Viscaya; Lambunao, Iloilo; Mambusao, Capiz; Mina, Iloilo; Navotas, NCR; Padre Garcia, Batangas; San Gabriel, La Union; Simunul, Tawi Tawi; Solano, Nueva Viscaya; Taraka, Lanao del Sur; Tuba, Benguet; Upi, Maguindanao; Valenzuela, NCR; and Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
They all received a seal marker and P100,000 worth of call, text, and data services from digital services provider PLDT and its wireless unit, Smart Communications.
The package is intended to provide communications support to LGUs in the conduct of their education initiatives, said PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Group head Ramon R. Isberto.
“PLDT-Smart’s partnership with Synergeia is in line with our commitment to help bridge the technological digital divide,” Isberto said.
“With all the major stakeholders working together, more innovative solutions will be made to have every child enjoy his right to good quality education,” he said.
Mayor Toby Tiangco, another Seal awardee from Navotas, said technology enables people to accomplish more, and the Seal initiative provides local government units with the opportunity to exchange ideas.
“You get to hear about best practices that you can adopt in your community,” he said.
Navotas sustains educational programs that address lack of teachers and training, child literacy, insufficient school facilities. The city’s programs include scholarships for both students and educators.
“If people are willing to cooperate with one another in promoting education, the result will be a stronger community,” said Bacnotan Mayor Francis Fontanilla.
