CATARMAN, Northern Samar — At least 611 indigent elementary pupils in Catarman received school bags and basic learning materials from the municipal government as part of an initiative aimed at easing the financial burden on low-income families.
The distribution was held Aug. 7, 2026, covering pupils from five public elementary schools in the municipality.
The program was implemented under Municipal Ordinance No. 2023/193/-28, which provides free school supplies to indigent pupils in public elementary schools in Catarman. The ordinance was initiated by Municipal Councilor Jennifer Salutan and approved by the Sangguniang Bayan under the leadership of Vice Mayor Francisco Rosales Jr., with the support of its members and Mayor Dianne Rosales.
Each beneficiary received a school bag, 10 notebooks, two pads of paper, four ballpens or pencils, a ruler and an eraser.
The beneficiaries came from Barangay Guba Elementary School, with 70 pupils; Barangay Bocsol Elementary School, 74; Barangay Salvacion Elementary School, 73; Barangay New Rizal Elementary School, 213; and Barangay Cal-Igang Elementary School, 181.
Salutan personally distributed the school supplies to the pupils. She was accompanied by her husband, Barangay Kagawad Dindo Arillo, who expressed support for the program.
Teachers, barangay officials and parents also attended the distribution, which organizers said was intended to ensure that children from financially challenged families have basic materials needed for their studies.
Parents and pupils expressed appreciation for the assistance, saying the supplies would help reduce their expenses as they provide for their children’s education.
The municipal government said the program reflects its continuing commitment to supporting education and improving the welfare of children in Catarman.
(EUGENE M. ENANO)
