Quezon City opens bazaar to raise funds for tutoring program

MANILA, Philippines —The Quezon City government yesterday opened a bazaar to raise funding for its learning recovery initiatives, which include a tutoring program to reduce non-readers and non-numerates children by providing them additional academic assistance.

Launched at the Quezon City hall lobby, the “Kilos Kyusi: Kilo Store ng Bayan Tulong para sa Kinabukasan” offers a wide array of pre-loved and never-been-used merchandise that will be up for sale to city hall employees and the public.

The activity was spearheaded by the mayor’s office, city hall, Small Business and Cooperatives Development Promotions Office (SBCDPO) as well as Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department.

Proceeds from the bazaar will go to the QC Learning Recovery Fund, a repository for cash donations intended for the city’s public schools.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the learning recovery program is part of the local government’s “whole of society approach” to address the education crisis.

Belmonte cited the 2022 report of the World Bank, which estimated that nine out of 10 children in the Philippines aged 10 are unable to read and understand a simple text.

“A crisis of this magnitude requires all stakeholders to focus on prioritizing the needs and interests of our children. We have to immediately address this crisis as it will adversely affect our economy and the future of the next generation,” Belmonte said.

She said the bazaar would encourage reuse and recycling of textiles and other items, which can help reduce solid waste pollution.

The bazaar features items sold in two categories: by the kilo, in which the price is determined based on the total weight of the pre-loved items, and by individual price, which includes items that have never been used and are still in excellent condition.

For more information about the bazaar or how to donate pre-loved items, contact SBCDPO at 8988-4242 locals 8731, 8731, 8736. To learn more about the Quezon City Learning Recovery Fund, email [email protected]