BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here expressed thanks to individuals and organizations who donated to the “One Million Lapis” project of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC). A total of 15,645 pencils has been donated through the department.
This project was launched by CWC in celebration of the National Children’s Month by virtue of RA 10661 (National Children’s Month Act). It also aims to promote the child’s right to education especially for children who lack the opportunity to pursue schooling and who lack necessary writing materials. The campaign started in April and ended October this year.
The campaign is part of the celebration of National Children’s Month with the theme: “Isulong: Kalidad ng Edukasyon Para sa Lahat ng Bata.”
DSWD CAR received 15, 645 pencils donated by different schools, namely, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Montessori (2, 510 pencils), Saint Louis University (3,445), University of Baguio (2,892), and Pines City Colleges (2,900). Other donors include Drew Arellano Family (792), Purple Center (199), National Bureau of Investigation (429) and Philippine Information Agency (2, 478).
The pencils were turned over to the Department of Education to be distributed to the public elementary schools in 4th to 6th class municipalities.
“We would like to express our gratitude to those who shared their pencils. They did not only provide the children something to use. This might inspire our children to do better in school”, DSWD-CAR Regional Director Janet P. Armas shared.
“Lapis” is a symbolic representation of the child’s need to express ideas and feelings, to be empowered through learning, and is a recognition of the importance of writing skills and materials.
By Mark Erik King D. Guanzon