LEARNING TABLETS. Grade school learners in San Enrique, Negros Occidental, show the learning tablets distributed by the Negros Occidental provincial government on Tuesday (Jan. 9, 2024). The provincial government provided some 1,076 learning tablets to 26 public elementary schools for better access to online learning resources. (Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental)
BACOLOD CITY – Learners from 26 public elementary schools in Negros Occidental received some 1,076 learning tablets from the provincial government for better access to online learning resources.
Implemented under Project BONG or “Bata ang Ona sa Negros (Child First in Negros),” the initiative benefited some 5,197 learners from the school districts of Pulupandan, San Enrique and Valladolid towns in separate distribution rites on Tuesday.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Education (DepEd) Negros Occidental Schools Division acknowledged its strong partnership with the provincial government in advancing quality education for Negrense learners.
"DepEd Negros Occidental is grateful to the provincial government for making possible the realization of Project BONG. The tablets distributed to the learners will be of great help in assessing and improving the numeracy and literacy skills of public school learners," DepEd Negros Occidental spokesperson Ian Arnold Arnaez said.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the distribution of the learning equipment in the three municipalities, said there is a need to ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in 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," he said in a statement.
Mayors Jilson Tubillara of San Enrique, Enrique Miravalles of Valladolid, and Miguel Peña of Pulupandan and DepEd Negros Occidental Schools Division Superintendent Anthony Liobet joined Lacson during the distribution.
“With DepEd’s thrust on resolving basic education challenges, we recognize the exigency for unity of purpose and utmost cooperation among all stakeholders. It is high time to be reminded that education is everybody’s business,” the governor said.
Project BONG, named after the nickname of Lacson, is a collaboration between the Provincial School Board, the local government units, and DepEd Negros Occidental Schools Division.
It targets multi-faceted educational development focusing on strengthening numeracy skills, fostering literacy, engaging students through interactive activities, and empowering teachers.
"We want to help you take on the challenges that come your way and give you all the tools you need to become the smart persons you are meant to be,” Liobet told the learners.
The recipients came from Pulupandan and San Enrique, with nine school districts each, and Valladolid, with eight.
In 2022, Project BONG first benefited 1,439 pupils in Cauayan town, while in 2023, learners in Manapla town received some 850 tablets. (PNA)
