ILOILO CITY, March 23 (PNA) — The United States Government through its Agency for International Development (USAID) recently provided an additional P63-million aid to include school equipment for post-disaster education needs in 19 municipalities in Iloilo, Capiz and Bohol.
A statement from the US Embassy in Manila said that USAID Mission Director Gloria D. Steele witnessed the signing of an agreement last March 9 between the municipal mayors, school principals and Synergeia Foundation, USAID’s implementing partner for the Education Governance Effectiveness (EdGE) Project, which will help elementary public schools in the three target provinces get back on track towards improving learning outcomes.
Over 450 schools, 3,800 teachers and 35,000 early grade students will directly benefit from the assistance.
“Hugpong sa Pagbangon,” Ilonggo vernacular for “rising up together,” is the post-disaster component of EdGE that will provide community incentive grants, disaster preparedness workshops, and teaching and learning materials.
In Iloilo, Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. expressed his appreciation for the sincerity and gesture of commitment of the American government to the Filipino people in enhancing and strengthening quality of public education.
Hardest hit by Typhoon Yolanda on November 8, 2013 were the northern coastal towns of Iloilo and towns along the rivers.
A ceremonial turnover of audiovisual equipment such as laptops, printers, televisions and projectors was held at the Dumangas Municipal Gymnasium witnessed by local officials headed by Dumangas Mayor Rolando Distura.
EdGE seeks to improve education governance at the local level through strengthened government effectiveness, increased transparency and accountability, and increased participation of stakeholders in education policy formulation and implementation.
Overall, the U.S. Government’s support is estimated at approximately P6.3 billion to help the people of the Philippines respond to, and recover from, the devastating effects of Typhoon Yolanda. (PNA)