Angara kicks off school feeding, literacy drive in Nueva Ecija

Education Secretary Sonny Angara recently launched a dual initiative in Nueva Ecija aimed at tackling both nutritional deficiencies and improving foundational literacy among young learners. The event took place in Pantabangan, where Angara participated in a hot meal distribution alongside a literacy campaign. This marked the beginning of the Department of Education's (DepEd) efforts to address the challenges posed by hunger and inadequate educational resources.

The activities were conducted at the Pantabangan National Child Development Center (NCDC) located in Barangay Villarica. This facility, which currently enrolls 37 learners, functions as a model for integrating early childhood education with essential nutrition services. The timing of the event was strategic, aligning with the upcoming Nutrition Month in July. Angara emphasized the importance of ensuring that all students receive adequate nourishment to support their learning processes.

In his remarks, Angara stated that the initiative follows directives from President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., who has urged for an expansion of the supplemental feeding program. He highlighted the significance of a healthy body in enabling effective learning, noting that hungry children face significant difficulties in concentrating and focusing on their studies.

Following the nutrition drive, the DepEd team moved to Marikit Integrated School in Barangay Marikit. There, they engaged in a literacy campaign designed for students from kindergarten through grade three. During this visit, Angara distributed age-appropriate storybooks along with school bags containing necessary learning supplies to 193 students. The school, which has a total enrollment of 466 learners, benefited from this initiative, which is part of a broader national effort targeting more than 6.8 million young public school learners.

The funding for the provision of bags and classroom items came directly from the Office of the President, aiming to enhance early childhood education. Angara underscored the value of reading materials, explaining that they lay the groundwork for developing critical thinking abilities in children. He noted that through reading, children can cultivate creativity and critical thinking skills as they grow.

During the school visit, Angara also held discussions with tutors participating in the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program. These conversations focused on evaluating how effectively the school implements the learning recovery framework. The early literacy initiative aims to facilitate the transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn," helping children grasp new concepts more effectively.

Publishing partners contributed curated book titles that promote reading comprehension, numeracy, values formation, environmental awareness, and life skills. Meanwhile, the DepEd covered the costs associated with printing and reproducing these materials. This collaborative effort reflects the administration's commitment to enhancing academic performance by simultaneously addressing issues related to hunger and resource availability.

The combined initiatives highlight the Marcos administration's comprehensive strategy for improving educational outcomes. By addressing both nutritional needs and educational resources concurrently, the government seeks to create a supportive environment conducive to learning. As these programs roll out nationwide, they aim to provide a solid foundation for future academic success, ensuring that children are equipped with the tools needed to thrive in their educational journeys.