Catarman N. Samar– In a heartfelt show of community service, the District Engineers League of the Philippines (DELP), in partnership with the Northern Samar First District Employees Association (NSFEDEA), held an outreach program on June 24, 2025, benefiting a total of 228 elementary students from San Jose Elementary School in Mondragon and Quezon Elementary School in Catarman—both situated in the First District of Northern Samar.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio and Assistant District Engineer Vivian G. Biaco spearheaded the activity, joined by officers and members of NSFEDEA, along with NSFDEO personnel.
The initiative provided students with a variety of essential school supplies, including writing materials, pencil sharpeners, pencils, ballpoint pens, and correction tape. To further prepare them for the rainy season, each student also received an umbrella and a raincoat. The event was capped off with the distribution of Jollibee snacks, which brought cheer to all the students present.
In his message, DE Ignacio shared that the activity is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, particularly in empowering the youth.
“This program is our way of giving back to the community. By providing students with basic school needs and a little joy to lift their spirits, we hope to help them start the school year with confidence and enthusiasm,” he said.
He added that the initiative seeks to uplift underprivileged students by ensuring they are not only equipped for school but also encouraged to pursue their education with renewed motivation.
Mr. Alexis A. Diaz, Head Teacher of San Jose Elementary School, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school community.
“We sincerely thank DELP, NSFEDEA, and DPWH-NS1 for their generosity. I personally witnessed the joy on our students’ faces as they received school supplies and Jollibee packed meals—many of them tasting it for the very first time.”
Mary Ann D. Dapulag, a kindergarten teacher at the same school, shared that it was the first time they had ever received school supplies and meals from Jollibee—an experience that was especially meaningful since many of the students had never tasted Jollibee before. She further stated that said school is located in a remote barangay of Mondragon that requires nearly an hour’s walk to reach.
With the sun beating down relentlessly, the team trekked across muddy roads-not for adventure, but for a cause.
Meanwhile, Teacher-in-Charge, Ms. Ruth M. Castillo of Quezon Elementary School also expressed her heartfelt appreciation.
“Dako nga bulig an mga school supplies sa kabataan,naramdaman san kabataan kung gaano ka-grateful an school sa iyo ginhatag,dako po nga salamat”, she stated.
This annual outreach effort serves as a powerful reminder that even the simplest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression on young minds and shape a brighter future for the next generation.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)
