Students in mountain barangay get bikes

CEBU, Philippines - Students of Lusaran National High School in Barangay Lusaran, Cebu City received 18 bicycles yesterday under the Pedals and Paddles Project, which aims to provide bikes and boats to students in far-flung areas to help them go to school.

The project — initiated by the Department of Education in association with the Philippine Educators Association of CESOs and eligibles, Inc. (PEACE), the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation and Bikes for the Philippines — hopes to increase the chances of children to education. 

Marry Grace Miral, a Grade 9 student of Lusaran NHS, is one of the beneficiaries of the bikes. She said that it is really a big help for students like her so they won’t be late in going to school.

“Lipay jud kaayo kay nag-serve siya as motivation and inspiration para namu ba arun maabot namu among mga pangarap,” Miral expressed.

Some students of Lusaran NHS walk approximately two to 10 kilometers everyday just to go to school. Most of the students wake up as early as 4 a.m. so they won’t be late.

 “Usahay maabot mi’g late sa school then kailangan gyud na musayo mi’g mata para dili mi ma-late padung sa skuwelahan,” Miral added.

Maricel Alcantara, a mother of one of the beneficiaries, has been grateful, saying that the bicycle would be of great help for her son since there are only a few vehicles that pass through their place.

“Nagpasalamat gyud mi sa mga nag-donate sa bike, naghatag siya’g inspirasyon para maningkamot gyud,” Alcantara said.

Arnolfa Demellites, principal of Lusaran NHS, said that they were given a list of the students and they had to choose the beneficiaries based on who lives farthest from the school, as well as the academic performance.

Carmelita Dulangon, DepEd -7 director, said that they have initially given 175 bikes in Baclayon, Bohol while more are coming in.  Dulangon said they are also accepting second hand gears, helmets and anything that can still be used.

A secondhand bike reportedly costs P5,000, which includes helmets, shoes, and a tumbler while a brand new one would reach as high as P50,000.

Dulangon added that if the bikes are damaged, beneficiaries should tell the school heads to help in the repair. When a beneficiary would graduate, the school will determine who will be the next beneficiary of the bike.

The turnover of the bikes was made yesterday at the DepEd Center in Lahug, Cebu City.  (FREEMAN)