The beneficiaries of the Adopt-a-Learner Project (ALP) of the National Economic and Development Authority Region 2 (NEDA 2) brimmed with pride and confidence as they received their awards during the ALP Recognition Ceremony held on June 30 at the NEDA Pamegafanan Hall.

NEDA 2 Regional Director Dionisio C. Ledres, Jr., in his inspirational speech, lauded the ALP beneficiaries and volunteer teachers for making the project successful. He expressed hope that through the ALP, the beneficiaries, who are select school children in Tuguegarao City, will achieve their dreams in the future.

The ALP beneficiaries were accompanied by their parents/guardians in receiving their individual awards on reading, mathematics, among others. To show their appreciation, the kids gave a heartfelt rendition of “Mangarap Ka”, a Tagalog song that captures their determination to reach their dreams no matter the challenges they face. Volunteer teachers who helped during the weekend face-to-face sessions, like Mrs. Emiteria M. Trumata who is a retired grade school teacher, Ms. Liezel T. Santos and Mr. Ralph T. Ventura from the Tuguegarao North East Central School, were also recognized during the ceremony along with the NEDA 2 volunteers.

Dr. Zsa-zsa May T. Meneses, the 2019 Search for Outstanding Volunteers’ National Awardee, showed support to her fellow volunteers through an inspirational message. Dr. Meneses adopted an Aeta community in Baggao, Cagayan where along with other like-minded volunteers teach its members how to read and write. As a volunteer herself, she affirmed the sacrifices of the ALP volunteers and celebrated with them the rewards of volunteer work.

NEDA 2 launched the ALP at the height of the pandemic in October 2021. The ALP adopted less-privileged Grade 3 pupils with significant educational needs in reading and mathematics to help them improve their performance in school and, at the same time, cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Tuguegarao City Schools Division Office of the DepEd, 15 Grade 3 pupils from four schools in the city were identified as the ALP beneficiaries. Volunteer teachers from the Organization of NEDA 2 Employees held regular mentoring sessions from October 2021 to June 2022.

With the success of the ALP, the volunteers hope to continue this project with the support of the NEDA 2 management and DepEd officials.#