Sun.Star Davao shares blessings
LUMAD children at Sitio Upian, Barangay Marilog in Marilog District, Davao City were given school supplies delivered by Sun.Star Davao Publishing, Incorporated headed by general manager Tessie Paña yesterday.
Sun.Star Superbalita editor-in-chief Alger Dura said the activity is part of the company's corporate social responsibility to the people, to the future leaders of our country and possible members of the press in the years to come. The project was also supported by the Kinaiyahan Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology.
Kinaiyahan Foundation helped Sun. Star Davao in identifying Upian Elementary School, a hinterland school with 97 percent pupils who belong to the Matigsalog tribe with seven teachers who go home during only on weekends.
Teacher Ruel Janamjam said poverty and the distance are among other reasons of hindrances for them to go to school. Some parents could not buy the needs of the children to study. He said sometimes they spend their own money to give some things needed by the students just to inspire them to persevere. Janamjam said the government cannot provide all the needs of the children since there are also other priorities in the school.
Sun.Star's gift to the students will have a great effect on the learning. It is a great thing for the children in remote barangays, he said. "We are not ashamed to ask other people to help the children in changing their lives and that is the reason why we choose to be with them despite of the fact that we can possibly be given position in the city poblacion."
Lydia Dapalan, a lumad mother of 10 children, said seven of her children are studying and they buy the needs of their children one at a time. "My husband is just a farmer she said. I am happy for the blessings that you bring to us. Now my children are happy having all their needs, a complete set of notebooks, pencil, papers and other materials," she said in the vernacular.
Janamjam said, "We will be happy should other groups come and share blessings to our students."