The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided instructional resources worth ₱7.6 million ($136,000) to nearly 18,500 students affected by the typhoon in the Bicol region.
The project came about as part of the U.S. government’s efforts to aid in their rehabilitation and learning continuity following the harsh weather that struck their areas.
Ina Aquino, who is leading USAID’s Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines (ABC+) initiative, officially handed over the materials to Gilbert Sadsad, director of DepEd Region V, and Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), on December 2. Bula, Camarines Sur’s Bula Central School served as the site of the ceremony.
“We recognize that education is not just a means of learning, but a lifeline that helps restore hope and builds resilience,” said Yvette Malcioln, acting education office director for USAID Philippines, in a release on Tuesday.
“We hope that these resources will help students and teachers recover and ensure that education can continue despite disruptions to learning caused by recent disasters,” she added.
The contribution comprises 18,600 educational kits and 8,884 early-grade reading resources to assist pupils from kindergarten through third grade.
Around 528 teacher kits were also distributed to support educators in 54 schools within the region, mitigating significant deficiencies in instructional materials resulting from the typhoons.
DepEd Secretary Angara conveyed his appreciation, emphasizing the significance of USAID’s prompt support. The Department encountered a hurdle in the production of textbooks. USAID and the ABC+ project assisted us by supplying materials and books for the children.
“They did not compromise on the quality of their materials or their support to us,” he stated.
“We express our gratitude to USAID and the ABC+ project,” Angara added.
All of these initiatives are part of a bigger ₱336 million ($6 million) aid package that the U.S. has been sending to the Philippines since October 25 to help the government with its disaster response.
Communities hit by tropical storms, typhoons, and floods will get life-saving help as part of the aid, which demonstrates that the U.S. is committed to working with its Philippine partners on rebuilding and recovery.
