(from left) Mitze Antian, Grade 3; Nistle Genlisa Mae Baculao, Grade 4; and Roseann Antian, Grade 4, are pupils of Dao Elementary School in Barangay Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon. The three want to become a doctor, a police officer, and a teacher respectively. The grueling 5-hour mountain trek to their school makes it difficult for them to dream big. However, they are given renewed hope and vigor to pursue their dreams as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP) will construct a three-classroom school building in the sitio. Kiranggol can now have formal education in their sitio. San Fernando, Bukidnon is a Priority 1 area for the intervention for Lumads in El Niño affected areas. The project is in partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) who will provide school teachers for the school buildings, and the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples.

Photo by Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy, DSWD