Sec. Leonor Magtolis Briones of the Department of
Education (DepEd) commended World Vision's massive educational fund drive
"Abutin Na10" that aims to fund the reproduction of self-learning
materials and gadgets to help thousands of students facing the new school year
yet challenged by the COVID-19 crisis.
The education chief asserts that “education must
continue” with or without the threat of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
because it “is perhaps the greatest legacy we can leave our learners and our
children.”
Briones said that "the health emergency has
affected so many lives around the world, and has damaged our education
curriculum, class schedules and overturned the system of delivering learning to
children."
As learning continues, Briones also underscored to
ensure that "the health, safety and well-being of learners, teachers and
personnel are protected.” The Abutin Na10 campaign hopes to bridge a gap
by enabling distance learning and home-schooling modalities.
“We hope we can come together and do the things we
thought can never be accomplished, and let us support the implementation of the
country’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan for our children through
“Abutin Na10”,” added DepEd Undersecretary Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq.
Helping
children reach their dreams
World Vision chairperson and former Chief Justice
Reynato S. Puno said that the vision of “Abutin Na10” is long term as the
partnership seeks to contribute enduring solutions to the current gaps in
education in the country.
In his keynote message, CJ Puno revealed an
alarming reality to most families who have become more vulnerable due to the
pandemic. From a rapid assessment conducted by World Vision, some parents are
compelled to consider drastic measures like sending children to work or away
from home that could possibly compromise their well-being including their
education and protection.
“Let us therefore help the state, represented by
the Department of Education, to discharge its constitutional duty to protect
and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and
also to take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all,” the
former chief magistrate said.
“To my fellow Filipinos, I encourage you to help
our vulnerable children finish their education,” Puno added.
More
partners giving their support
World Vision's Education Technical Program Manager
Geomel Jetonzo explained that Abutin Na10 is a platform for education champions
to contribute solutions in delivering quality education to learners.
“We thank you for trusting World Vision in reaching
our last mile learners,” said Jetonzo.
Director Vinci Beltran of the Office of the
President of the Philippines - Presidential Communications Operations Office
(PCOO), who gave her message of support, encouraged the advocates of the
campaign to embody the values of unity, generosity and faith to be able to
serve the needs of learners.
Beltran added that with the honor of being part of
the “Abutin Na10” campaign comes the challenge, and “as a humble personal
contribution, I pledge to use and maximize the platform provided by our work at
the PCOO and become the voice for the most vulnerable children and
youth.”
Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Lorenzo T.
Eleazar of the Philippine National Police (PNP) also sent his solidarity
message.
“I have faith and confidence to the officers,
staff, partners and donors of World Vision on this program,” said Lt. Gen.
Eleazar.
General Eleazar added that this is a clear and loud
call for responsible adults to be united and to work together for their future,
and invited everyone “Let us be one for children.”
Other partners present during the virtual launch
included My Pope Philippines Magazine led by its Editor-In-Chief Aizel Dolom,
One Network Bank, Texas Instruments, LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation, San Miguel
Foundation, Museo Pambata, Department of Transportation, Land Bank of the
Philippines, DepEd Schools Division Office of Las Piñas City led by its
Superintendent Dr. Joel Torrecampo, San Antonio High School of Parañaque City
led by its Principal Dr. Maria Rhodora P. Espino, Reading Association of the
Philippines, Education Network Philippines, Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation,
Psychological Association of the Philippines, and Asian Society for Social
Improvement and Sustainable Transformation.
Jetonzo encouraged that every concerned Filipino
can contribute. It's as simple as giving 10 pesos a day for 10 days, or just
donating at least 100 pesos would go a long way. "Sampung piso, sampung
araw, sampung milyong Pilipino, para sa sampung milyong mag-aaral, Abutin
Na10!”.
For more details visit
worldvision.org.ph/abutin-na10/ and facebook.com/AbutinNa10.
No comments:
Post a Comment