A makeshift dormitory established in Barangay Aningalan in San Remegio will ensure learners from remote barangays stay in school.
The “Balay Darayunan”, established by the local government unit with the help of the Philippine Army and other government agencies and stakeholders, will cater to children of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, particularly from Barangay Bulan-bulan.
Bulan-bulan is an upland barangay, around two to three hours’ walk to the Aningalan Integrated Farm School (AIFS) in Barangay Aningalan.
“It is really a big challenge for the learners from Barangay Bulan-bulan to attend their classes, especially during rainy days. That is why the Balay Darayunan was established,” said Antique Pantawid Provincial Link Jeffrey Gabucay in his message during the opening of the dormitory on Wednesday.
In her testimony, Jenelyn Cabaya, 4Ps learner and a Grade 11 learner, said she and 32 other beneficiaries are now assured of a place to stay during weekdays.
Before, they had to travel from their barangay to school daily to attend their classes.
“Walking to the school daily to attend my classes was not only tiring, but also dangerous because of its distance and terrain,” Cabaya said.
Ricardo Gomez, president of the House Parent Association and a father of one of the 4Ps learners, said they could now save PHP200 monthly, which they paid for a boarding house.
“The monthly fee for the boarding house will now be used by my daughter for her food,” he said.
Parents will take turn in assisting the teacher assigned to supervise the learners.
The Balay Darayunan opened in time for the field visit of the Joint Regional Convergence Committee and the Regional Independent Monitoring Committee of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (PNA)