The children of Tagba-o

Slated last July 2, the foundation's second major project for this year carried the theme "TFF supports the academe to realize Strong Republic". The project was facilitated with the direct supervision of The Freeman's General Manager Melandro 'Boy' Mendoza and Foundation Administrator Dr. Remedios Bacasmas, with the help of the TFF volunteer core group, Philippine Star Damayan and Sulpicio Lines, Inc."

In the early weeks of March, The Freeman Foundation conducted an ocular inspection at the Tagba-o Elementary School, about 35 kilometers away from Cebu City and four kilometers from the foot of Mt. Manunggal in Balamban town.

This was after its former school officer in charge, Norma Llaguno, through a certain Marilou Tabal, wrote this publication late last year informing the school's need for a library, for more books, and laboratory equipment like microscope.

The letter mentioned that Tagba-o children graduated from this school without ever seeing a laboratory microscope up close. This meant that school children had a glimpse of the equipment only thorough the pages of their Science books.

It was heartbreaking indeed to be listening to the children's voices floating on some patriotic hymn, during flag-raising ceremony, when before them is a blurry promise they would be able to live their dreams of becomining doctors and teachers someday. Two years ago, the school ranked lowest in standing in the National Achievement Test given by the Department of Education. Results listed the Tagba-o children as "most poor performing pupils in Central Visayas" among 2,203 public elementary schools.

In response, The Freeman Foundation - the heart of The Freeman and Banat newspapers - came up with a Balik Eskwela project choosing the Tagba-o Elementary School as recipient, assisting in the children's need for school supplies.

The request for help addressed to The Freeman was answered with a book drive. TF readers brought to our office crates of Reader's Digest, assorted books and other educational reading materials.

Aside from a mass feeding activity, the foundation treated the 160 pupils to a day of traditional games like "hampas-palayok" and "pabitin", sack race and relays before culminating with the distribution of school supplies.

Newly appointed school principal Reum Sespeñe expressed the campus' need for a television set as instructional aid. This now becomes the foundation's next challenge that can be best realized with the support of TF readers whose tender mercies never run out.

For your comments, reactions, suggestions and contributions, crank up my addy: [email protected]. For donations and or contributions to the TF Foudation, please call 255-0926 to 27 and look for Arlene Villacrucis.