Fifteen elementary schools situated in far-flung areas of Dinagat Islands province received PHP2.2 million worth of office equipment, recreational games for learners, and office supplies through the Department of Health’s Healthy Learning Institutions Program.

In a statement on Wednesday, the provincial government said each of the 15 schools received PHP149,460 worth of equipment and learning materials.

The sets of equipment were turned over to school heads on Tuesday in an activity held at the provincial capitol in San Jose town led by Dr. Johan Manlapaz, the provincial health chief, and Marichu Demerey, the executive assistant of Governor Nilo Demerey Jr.

“These pieces of equipment will help our teachers protect our students from the negative influences coming from the different platforms in social media,” Manlapaz said.

She said the provision of the materials is among the priorities of the agency in partnership with the provincial government to make the school classrooms conducive to learning processes.

In a separate interview on Wednesday, Demerey welcomed the release of the equipment, citing their contributions to a more enriched and effective learning environment in classrooms which would benefit the school children.

“This program indicates the commitment of the government to improve the access to resources of our schools especially those in the remote areas,” he said.

The availability of the equipment, he added, will enable teachers to incorporate multimedia presentations and other interactive learning materials in their classrooms, promoting innovative teaching methods. (PNA)