Youth leaders in the province of Ilocos Norte are giving away free school supplies to learners ahead of the school opening on July 29 under the “Kits4Kids” community outreach program.

Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chair Hans Jelden Tabiolo of Barangay 5 San Silvestre, San Nicolas town posted on Facebook on Saturday that student may register at the village hall and bring proof of enrollment to avail of free school supplies.

“We are giving away free school supplies to help our young learners prepare for the upcoming school year. It is our simple way of easing the burden on families and ensuring that every child has tools they need to succeed,” Tabiolo said.

He said the registration for Kinder to Grade 6 students started on Friday and will last until July 16

Due to limited supplies, he said the distribution will be on a first-come, first-serve basis and exclusive to Barangay 5 residents only.

In partnership with public and private stakeholders, the SK Ilocos Norte, led by Eldritze Callejo Viernes, has been reaching out to far-flung villages.

The project earlier visited remote villages in Vintar, Adams and Pagudpud, benefiting over a hundred recipients.

The fifth community reached was Barangay Alay in Badoc town on Saturday.

“We are very grateful to the provincial government of Ilocos Norte for extending logistical assistance in the different programs and operations of the federation such as the Kits4Kids project,” Viernes said in a statement.

The children also get food packs, multivitamins and medical checkups.

Valerie Talamayan, information officer and senior education program specialist of the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte, said 82,000 enrollees are expected in public schools this year.

“Of the target, we have 46,618 enrollees already,” Talamayan said in an interview on Friday.

She said DepEd Ilocos Norte expects the number of enrollments to increase in the next few weeks, with the “Brigada Eskwela” pre-opening preparations on July 22 to 27. (PNA)