In different parts of the world, wars are going on and bring hunger in any form to humanity, children most especially. It maybe some kind of luck or blessing that in this side, Davao City specifically, support has been continuously flowing-in and enjoyed by many. For one, the Talomo A & B Districts of the Division of Davao City has wrapped-up the visit of distinguished guests/ partners from the Australian Foundation for Fostering Learning in the Philippines Inc. (AFFLIP) last 4th of May 2023. The program was attended by the School Heads from the said districts headed by PSDS Deony M. Ferolino and Marilyn L. Marcelo, PSDS from other districts, EPS May Ann Jumuad and Faye Genevieve Pasamonte, and CID Chief Alma C. Cifra.

It was a simple activity showcasing the flagship programs: 1) OLEP or Outdoor Learning and Environment Program by Hazel N. Linaza, P-IV of Dona Soledad Dolor ES; 2) Health and Nutrition by Glen L. Pardillo, P-I of A. Bonifacio ES; 3) School Learning Network by Maria H. Latiada, P-IV of J. Bastida ES; 4) Professional Development and Literacy by Aida P. Placencia, P-III of Catalunan Pequeno ES; 5) Scholarship Grants by Allan G. Rivera, P-III of A. Mabini ES; and 6) RESI or Research Evaluation and Strategic Intervention by Vi-Cherry U. Ledesma, P-III of Talomo CES. All of the programs were awe-inspiring to everyone in attendance, most especially a bliss to the community-recipient whose impact are felt by the progress and performance of the learners from Talomo Districts.

It was also graced by the presence of ASDS Marilyn V. Deduyo and SDS Reynante A. Solitario, CESO VI, who, admittedly, was amazed of the support that the AFFLIP has been pouring-in since its creation in 2012 upto the present time. He pointed out that these programs have existed even before the MATATAG Agenda and yet it is already aligned to the same! He also expressed his excitement upon hearing that the Digital Learning Program is on the pipeline! With all of these, SDS Solitario said that his heart is filled with much gratitude to AFFLIP! He closed his message by quoting Abraham Lincoln saying “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” as what the organization is doing.

The presence of the Regional Office was represented by ARD Rebonfamil R. Baguio, CESO V who alluded that nature is abundant in Australia, hence, they have been giving so much of what they have to Davao City, particularly, Talomo Districts. Cliché as it maybe but indeed “To whom much is given, much is expected”! AFFLIP is a gift to the Filipino people – to teachers, students, and to the DepEd family, emphasized by ARD Baguio who extended his great appreciation to the organization and raised challenges to recipient-schools on (1) making sure that resources be also spread-out to other districts; (2) utilize the study on the impact as one good avenue for planning and research; and (3) to have the results of research be available for regional level to extract and come-up with policy directions to be presented to the Central office. His message ended by reminding everyone that learning poverty has always been there even pre-pandemic but not to fear because programs like these, if replicated, will help lead us to becoming resilient.

Lastly, AFFLIP representatives – Jeanette Emery and Max Greenwood who was delighted of the challenges brought by ARD Baguio in his message and he noted that AFFLIP delivers whatever is decided by the recipients as necessary for them and the learners, both focals for Professional Development and Literacy; Pat Maloney for Outdoor Learning and Environment Program who encouraged recipients to increase proposals Physical Education structures and equipment and further development of partnership with Univesity of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) as some of their future directions; and Loch Mitchell handling Scholarship Grant who was happy to announce that an increase in number of scholars instead of increase in the amount per scholar, request for additional funds for learners with special needs, and the creation of alumni group, among others are listed for future directions.

And to seal a more sustainable partnership with DepEd Davao City and AFFLIP, the day ended with the simultaneous pledge of commitment by everyone in attendance.

Ta Ta, AFFLIP!