MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education wants to push the country into adopting the Bright Child concept initiated by the City of Alaminos, Pangasinan to ensure a brighter future for students in public schools.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro commended Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza for his three-year-old Bright Child Program to provide school children with quality education, better health and nutrition, and an improved life.
“The city’s program was the best of all that I have seen here in Alaminos. One of the program’s major components is the feeding program, of which part of these is the consultation and collaboration with parents and other stakeholders,” he said.
He bared he wanted to adopt and showcase the whole program to all public schools nationwide.
“May I ask the permission of the good mayor to allow DepEd to borrow, copy and showcase the program’s concept as well as add a bit of innovation,” he said.
He said the success of the Bright Child Program in Alaminos City lies
on the strong partnership between the local government unit and the parents.
“Serious plans are being undertaken by all stakeholders. The farmers calendar their planting and harvest seasons, while the city government buys the farmers’ produce for the school children,” he noted.
The Wireless Internet-Based Governance System (WINGS) project of Alaminos City has also called the attention of the education secretary.
Luistro said the city has been advanced and is ahead as a model for Internet connectivity under the WINGS project.
In terms of computer literacy, the school children from public schools have started early in life, he noted.
“The program is of great importance to the pupils, especially during their formative years,” he pointed out.
Braganza turned Alaminos City the first Wings locality in the country.
He initiated the promotion of “education without borders” through the wireless Internet facility that connects the city hall with 43 public schools, government offices and the barangays.