“I want to erase the image of the corrupt politician. I want my name to be synonymous with excellent public service and clean and good government”
Pacquiao determined to combat literacy problem in Sarangani
ALABEL, Sarangani Province—–This province that lies in the southern most part of Mindanao will soon be known for their unique program in sincerely addressing literacy for its constituents, specifically those who are living in remote areas.
This, after the province’s lone district Representative and boxing legend Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao decided to establish dormitories within the public elementary and secondary school compounds, so school children living in far places will no longer be tired in coming back and forth attending their classes.
Pacquiao resorted to this unique solution after learning that ‘drop out” cases from elementary and high schools especially in the far-flung areas of the province remain in staggering number, despite of the interventions being done by the Department of Education.
He said, constructing of schools even with enough teachers, books and facilities are not enough.
“Sobrang taas ng kaso ng drop outs because school children living in very far places from schools, majority of them have to walk everyday for more than ten kilometers in just going to school, plus another more than ten kilometers in going back home. Sobrang pagod na sila at ang resulta kinabukasan ay tamad ng pumasok sa klase and eventually ay talagang humihinto na ang karamihan”, he said.
The Sarangani solon said, he too can still remember vividly his own experience as a pupil of Tango Elementary School in the municipality of Glan 29-years ago.
“The daily trek that I made to reach the school left me so exhausted physically and mentally that many times resulted to my absences the following days. One could only imagine and surmise how these poor children could be ready to tackle their lessons and activities in schools with their fragile tired bodies”, Pacquiao said.
He said, he will do anything to help his constituents for them to be able to read and write or finish their education in the most competent level.
“I was told by the barangay captain of Datal Angas in the municipality of Alabel that in one community there, almost all the residents, the old and the young constituents are not able to read and write. Alam ninyo kung ano ang rason?….walang gustong pumasok sa eskwela dahil sa sobrang layo ng mga eskwelahan”.
“Education for me is so important in order for the people to get out of the cycle of poverty they are in. Not everybody can be a world boxing champion like me. We have to find ways to help our people so they will not end-up illiterates or drop-outs”, he added.
Pacquiao said, he is indeed determined in putting-up dormitories for elementary and secondary schools to serve pupils and students living in far places.
Aside from free supplies of school papers, pens and notebooks, the dormitories will also be serving free food from Monday to Friday to those who will be hosted.
“A dormitory administrator will take charge in supervising them and stricter policies will be imposed for the safety of the children”.
He said, a model dormitory has already been constructed at Kling National High School in the municipality of Kiamba. (Rose Tamayo-Tesoro)
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