BACOLOD CITY: The provincial government of Negros Occidental has provided 1,076 learning tablets to 26 public elementary schools, enhancing online learning resources for students.
According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution took place on Tuesday under Project BONG or 'Bata ang Ona sa Negros (Child First in Negros).' This initiative reached approximately 5,197 learners from the school districts of Pulupandan, San Enrique, and Valladolid.
DepEd Negros Occidental spokesperson Ian Arnold Arnaez expressed gratitude for the provincial government's support in Project BONG. He emphasized that the tablets would significantly assist in assessing and improving numeracy and literacy skills among public school learners.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who spearheaded the equipment distribution in the three municipalities, stressed the importance of equipping learners with necessary skills for the modern world. "We want to ensure and focus on the quality of public school education. That's why we have distributed tablets for our students," Lacson remarked.
The distribution was a collaborative effort, with Mayors Jilson Tubillara of San Enrique, Enrique Miravalles of Valladolid, Miguel Peña of Pulupandan, and DepEd Negros Occidental Schools Division Superintendent Anthony Liobet joining Governor Lacson.
Governor Lacson highlighted the crucial role of unity and cooperation among stakeholders in addressing basic education challenges. He affirmed that education is a collective responsibility.
Project BONG, named after Lacson's nickname, is a joint venture between the Provincial School Board, local government units, and the DepEd Negros Occidental Schools Division. The project aims at comprehensive educational development, enhancing numeracy skills, promoting literacy, engaging students in interactive activities, and empowering educators.
Superintendent Liobet addressed the learners, emphasizing the project's goal to equip them for future challenges and develop their potential.
The beneficiaries included nine school districts each from Pulupandan and San Enrique, and eight from Valladolid. Previously, Project BONG had benefited 1,439 pupils in Cauayan town in 2022 and 850 learners in Manapla town in 2023.