The Department of Education (DepED Undersecretary for External Partnerships Service Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, ESQ recently turned over 18,000 sets of printed learning materials for students in Batangas through the “Abutin Na10” campaign in partnership with child-focused NGO World Vision.

This ongoing campaign for the benefit of learners residing in poor and remote communities is World Vision’s initiative to respond to the government’s call to support its Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BELCP).

“I want you to know by heart that no less than our constitution mandates that quality education be made accessible to all learners,” explained Usec. Umali while referring to the provision in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines Article XIV Section 1 which states that “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”

Under the BELCP, schools are mandated to adopt various distance learning modalities appropriate for the learners. Whether through online learning, activity sheets or a combination of both approaches, children are able to enjoy their right to education at the safety and comforts of their homes.

World Vision national director Rommel V. Fuerte shared during the turnover event, “Today is a milestone that we want to celebrate for the most vulnerable children especially for thousands of Kindergarten students here in Batangas who will receive learning activity sheets printed by ‘Abutin Na10’.” Fuerte also commended DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones for consistenly promoting continued learning among students despite the health and safety challenges brought by the lingering COVID-19 crisis.

‘Abutin Na10’ lead and World Vision’s education technical program manager Geomel P. Jetonzo hoped that more and more organizations and individuals support Filipino learners through this campaign.

“Together let us give children opportunities for learning and development by skillfully and prayerfully adapting to this ever-changing education landscape.”

For those who want to support children’s education through providing learning materials through Abutin Na10’, visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph/abutin-na10/.