National government agencies, local government units (LGUs), local officials and private organizations worked together to ensure a generally safe and orderly opening of classes for public school learners on Monday.
The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) established 1,399 police assistance desks near schools and transport terminals, deploying 663 police personnel, 759 force multipliers, and 82 from other units for 1,300 public schools.
Pangasinan PPO Officer-in-Charge Col. Dennis De Leon ordered vigilance against criminals while handling complaints respectfully, asking the public to report rude officers.
Before class opening, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Ilocos Region employed 18,435 individuals under its TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) cash-for-work program to assist in the Brigada Eskwela (School Brigade) program.
Workers, like farmers, fisherfolk, crop growers and transport sector members, cleaned school grounds, painted classrooms, and conducted minor repairs in 678 public schools.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Dagupan City Jail Female Dormitory personnel also participated as part of their community service, partnering with Dagupan City National High School (DCNHS), Bolosan Elementary School and North Central Elementary School.
Parents of DCNHS learners who are 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) beneficiaries, youth members of Victory Church, and SM Mall employees also joined the school preparation efforts.
The municipal government of Calasiao distributed free school bags with supplies to Grades 1 to 6 learners.
“Ang programang ito ay naglalayong magbigay ng paunang tulong mula sa inyong lokal na pamahalaan sa mga magulang at masigurong kumpleto ang kagamitan ng mga bata sa kanilang pagpasok (This program aims to give initial help from your local government to parents to ensure children have complete supplies as they start classes),” Mayor Patrick Caramat said.
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) youth officials of Barangay Asin East in Malasiqui distributed school supplies to 330 incoming high school learners.
“We know that many families are in need, so we thought of helping them with school supplies,” SK Chairperson Aaron Manipon said.
Other SK officials in the town have adopted the project for distribution in the coming days. (PNA)
