Kabacan and Carmen, Philippines – A total of 1,203 elementary pupils from the Special Geographic Areas (SGAs) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) received new pairs of shoes on April 10, 2025, as part of the “LALAkbay Para sa Kinabukasan” program spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Cotabato under the leadership of Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza.
Despite the SGA no longer being under the jurisdiction of the province, North Cotabato continues to extend its support to communities in the area, reinforcing its commitment to education and youth development.
The shoe distribution was led by representatives from the Provincial Government Office – Provincial Youth Development Division (PGO-PYDD), in partnership with the Department of Education SGA-BARMM Division and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in the area.
The initiative aims to inspire young learners to keep pursuing their dreams despite the challenges they face, emphasizing the importance of education and resilience.
Also present during the event were SK Provincial Federation President and Ex-Officio Board Member Karen Michie De Guzman, Provincial Advisory Council members Alma Tuyan and Samson Mate, who all played key roles in ensuring the success of the activity. Joining them were DepEd SGA-BARMM Division Supply Officer Jahar Kasim Dilna and other guests who lent their support to the cause.
The gesture was warmly received by the pupils and their families, who expressed their gratitude for the continued concern and assistance from the Provincial Government of Cotabato.