Fundación Educación y Cooperación (EDUCO) recently signed an agreement with the Department of Education Region V—particularly in the divisions of Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon—to work with local governments and other stakeholders in implementing the project, Ensure a Nurturing, Accessible and Better Leaner’s Education (Project ENABLE).
Project ENABLE is a three-year (2017-2020) project that aims to build quality, transformative, and inclusive early childhood education by providing material and technical support to 132 served partner public elementary schools in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon in the Bicol Region.
“I’m inspired because of Educo,” said Loida Nidea, Sorsogon Division Superintendent (SDS) of the Department of Education (DepEd). “There are so many NGOs but speaking of sustainability, Educo has programs and projects.”
“We cannot do this alone,” said the SDS. “Your presence inspires us to make sure no child is left behind.” She went on to address over a hundred teachers and school heads during the Sorsogon Division launching of Project ENABLE. “You’re blessed. Sustain, maintain, and make this known in the community.”
MOA Signing as part of the Project ENABLE Launching Ceremonies at Pilar Central School in Sorsogon. Photo was taken on 6 June 2017.
MOA Signing as part of the Project ENABLE Launching Ceremonies at Atipolo Elementary School in Bato, Camarines Sur held 7 June 2017.
Speaking on behalf of Pilar Municipal Mayor Carolyn Sy-Reyes, Art Garchitorena also highlighted the importance of collaborating for development. “The [municipal] government only has 20% of its budget allotted to develop 49 barangays and over 70,000 people. But because of NGO partners we have, ang malaking gawain napapagaan (great work becomes easy).”
A series of Project ENABLE Launching Ceremonies were held in Polangui, Albay; Bato, Camarines Sur; and Pilar, Sorsogon from June 6 to 7, 2017, where signing of agreements between Educo and DepEd representatives took place.
Part of EDUCO’s support, starter kits were distributed to children in partner schools during Project ENABLE launching ceremonies. Photo was taken 7 June 2017 in Atipolo Elementary School, Bato, Camarines Sur.
EDUCO, as a child rights-based organization, not only provides material support to enhance facilities for children; it also capacitates duty bearers of child rights such as the members of the Local Council for the Protection of Children, school teachers, and local civil society organizations. By raising awareness on the rights of the child, adults and children alike work better together in ensuring the wellbeing of society’s most vulnerable sector, securing a better future not only for Bicol but the rest of the Philippines as well.
Photos from the launchings can be seen here.
