JUST one week before the official opening of classes, the Lapu-Lapu City Government is set to distribute free school supplies to learners across all public schools in the city.
Outgoing mayor, Congressman-elect Junard “Ahong” Chan told SunStar Cebu that the City has allocated P26 million for the initiative, which aims to ease the financial burden on parents as the school year 2025-2026 begins.
“Notebooks, ballpens and other essential supplies will be given to kindergarten, elementary, high school and senior high school pupils at no cost,” said Chan in a mix of Cebuano and English.
Chan said the program was first implemented in Olango Island.
Classes in public schools under the Department of Education (DepEd) are scheduled to begin on June 16.
According to Chan, the distribution of supplies for kindergarten and elementary students will follow a week later; while high school and senior high school students will receive their supplies in July.
Following are the distribution schedules: Kindergarten (June 23 to 27), elementary (July 7 to 11), high school and senior high school (July 14 to 18).
Chan said the initiative was born out of his observation that by the time the DepEd distributes free school supplies — often two months into the school year, parents had already bought for their children.
The City Government aims to provide the supplies earlier to ensure they reach students before parents purchase the needed items.
The type and quantity of school items will depend on the students’ grade levels, Chan added.
Meanwhile, Mayor-elect Cynthia King-Chan has also committed to prioritize education during her administration.
She plans to roll out a similar program for the free distribution of complete school uniforms, following the example set by other highly urbanized cities. /DPC