In Eastern Samar
(DOLORES MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICE FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY— One hundred high school students from remote communities in Dolores, Eastern Samar, can now spend less time walking to school after the municipal government distributed bicycles to help ease their daily commute.
The bicycles were distributed under the local government’s “Pedal Para han Kabubwason” (Pedal for the Future) program, which seeks to improve access to education for students living in far-flung communities.
The beneficiaries are students from Barangay Hinolaso and nearby villages who regularly walk long distances to attend classes.
Hinolaso, an interior barangay situated along the Dolores River, is located more than 30 kilometers from the national highway. Many students from the village and neighboring communities have had to walk long distances daily because of limited transportation options.
The program is expected to benefit more students with the support of Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales and 4Ps Party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan, who have each committed to donate additional bicycles.
Mayor Zaldy Carpeso said the initiative reflects the municipal government’s commitment to ensuring that poverty and distance would not prevent children from pursuing their education.
“To our young people, continue going to school. To the mothers, let us work together. No one should be denied access to education because of poverty,” Carpeso said.
“Being poor should never be a reason to stop studying. I will continue helping you achieve your dreams for your children,” he added.
Carpeso said the bicycles represent more than just a means of transportation for the student beneficiaries.
“We want to ensure that no student is forced to stop attending school simply because they live far from their school. Through these bicycles, their daily journey will become easier, giving them a better opportunity to pursue their dreams,” he said.
He added that each bicycle symbolizes the local government’s confidence in the potential of the town’s young people.
“Each pedal represents a step away from hardship and toward opportunity, and a journey from hope to a brighter future,” Carpeso said.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
