Ilocos Norte Youth Leaders Launch Free School Supply Initiative for Students

Ilocos Norte – Ahead of the school year opening on July 29, youth leaders in Ilocos Norte have launched a community outreach program named ‘Kits4Kids’, providing free school supplies to local students.

According to Philippines News Agency, San Nicolas town, who announced the initiative on Facebook, students may register at the village hall with proof of enrollment to receive the 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 the tools they need to succeed,” said Tabiolo. The registration for students from Kinder to Grade 6 began on Friday and will continue until July 16, with supplies being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, exclusive to Barangay 5 residents.

The SK Ilocos Norte, led by Eldritze Callejo Viernes, has partnered with both public and private stakeholders to reach out to remote villages across the province, including Vintar, Adams, and Pagudpud, with over a hundred recipients already benefitting from the program. On Saturday, the initiative reached its fifth community, Barangay Alay in Badoc town. “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 stated.

In addition to school supplies, the children are also receiving food packs, multivitamins, and medical checkups to ensure they are fully prepared for the school year. Valerie Talamayan, the information officer and senior education program specialist of the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte, reported that 82,000 enrollees are expected in public schools this year, with 46,618 already registered. “We expect the number of enrollments to increase in the next few weeks, especially with the ‘Brigada Eskwela’ pre-opening preparations scheduled for July 22 to 27,” Talamayan added in a recent interview.