Helping the children of San Roque Primary School in Lanao del Norte

(Excerpt from the report Isang Bata received from Kaabag Ranaw, Inc., Isang Bata's partner in this project. Another important partner is LBC Express and LBC Foundation, particularly Jose C. Garcia, who took care of sending all four boxes to Lanao del Norte.)

As of July 6, 2011, San Roque Primary school has a total of 100 pupils from day care to grade IV. Isang Bata sent over 100 school kits for these children, plus around a hundred books to build a small library. The following is the summary of recipients:

Kinder - 25
Grade 1 - 22
Grade 2 - 17
Grade 3 - 17
Grade 4 - 19

Books are very limited in San Roque Primary School. Only the teachers have text books. This is one of the reasons why the school does not have competitive/excellent students. Indeed, the children and the teachers are thankful for the rare opportunity to receive high-quality books.

Photos below are courtesy of Kaabag Ranaw, Inc., through Jojo Pacaldo, Executive Director.

This project would not be possible without the support and generosity of ‎Dino Narciso, Irene Chia, Kat Palasi, Lalaine F. Yanilla Aquino, Candie Cobiao, Joy Ty-Sy, ‎Henry Salazar, Jane Frances Salazar, Cooki Co Macatol, Iten Zamora del Rosario, Emmeline Aglipay, Aze Ramos, ‎Sara Denise Mendoza, Resti Hallig Santiago, Susan Cristie Delovino-Belmonte and LBC Express' Tedd Santos.


Ms. Alfanta, checking the school enrollee master list.


Kaabag Ranaw, Inc. staff members counting the books for turn over.


The kinder teacher browses through the books with interest.


Bgy. Captain Escorial, Ms. Alfanta and Kaabag Ranaw, Inc. staff members facilitate the distribution.


Child signing the acknowledgment receipt.


One school kit per child.






A short story telling session after the turn over.


The truck that brings the children to and from school. They cover a distance of 4 kilometers each time.


"SCHOOL BUS". Since around 40% of the constituents of San Roque are settling in the coastal area, a number of students go up and down every day. The barangay council has allocated budget for a 2-way travel every day from the coastal barangay to San Roque, a distance of about 4 kilometers. They usually leave at 7:00 and depart San Roque at 4:00 – 5:00 in the afternoon. This practice made the students even closer.

(Ime's note: This is such a strong image. I could not help but think of the school buses we have in Manila. In Lanao, these children have to make themselves fit in this truck and travel on rough roads while standing up for 4 kilometers every day, twice a day, rain or shine, without a roof over their heads--just to attend their classes. Could not imagine doing that myself. Amazing children.)