Town mayor spends own millions for kids

CEBU, Philippines - Tuburan Mayor Democrito ‘Aljun” Diamante is spending more than a million pesos out of his own pocket to buy a set of school supplies for over 10,000 elementary pupils.

Diamante started distributing the school supplies last week to the different elementary schools.

Diamante said he is spending his own money and it will cost him more than P1 million because he plans to include children in the kindergarten level. Each set of school supplies cost P100, said Diamante.

There are 54 barangays in Tuburan although Diamante said he has yet to get the exact number of pupils and it will be determined after disposing the 10,000 bags.

Each pupil will get a bag containing pencils, papers, notebook and other things basically needed in their classrooms.

The bags marked, “Education for all, dream big and study well.”

During the distribution of school supplies, Diamante emphasized to parents and children the importance of education in everyone’s success.

He cited his own success when he started as a poor man living in a mountain barangay of Cogon but because their parents valued much for education, he strived hard and excel in his business.

Diamante said that now he is mayor of his hometown, he would like to share his blessings to his fellowmen and encouraged the children to dream big.

“Aron makuha ninyo ang inyong mga damgo, paningkamot mo og maayo,” Diamante said.

Diamante said that to be a mayor was never in his plan until he saw the hardship of the people that needs his help prompting him to run during the May 10, 2010 elections. – THE FREEMAN