What seemed like a typical day turned out to be a very special day not only for the pupils and teachers of an elementary school in the Municipality of Pilar, Capiz but also for the employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Office of Region VI.
As part of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER) Anniversary Celebration, the Administration and Finance Division of the DAR Regional Office spearheaded an Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) Outreach cum Immersion Activity in Carlos V. Lopez Memorial Elementary School in Brgy. San Nicolas, one of the component barangays of 5S ARC in Pilar, Capiz. last July 2, 2010. The team provided pencils, pens, snacks consisting of doughnuts and juice to 300 pupils; bag with pencil, 2 notebooks, 2 paper pads, ruler, sharpener, crayons, and a pair of scissors to 50 poorest kids of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs); chalks, lesson plan, record book, charts, pentel pens, manila papers, books to teachers; and a Philippine flag and assorted medicines to the school.
Now under the tutelage of Ms. Fideles Dianala, Chief of Admin and Finance, the whole division staff decided to do something different and something helpful this year. They agreed to do this outreach program and pledged to give at least P10 per employee. But the P10 minimum has stretched a hundredfold. They were also able to receive donations from other personnel of the DAR Provincial, Regional and Central Offices and even from friends.
The team was accompanied by the Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer of Pilar, Mrs. Nilda Celo and her staff. Ms. Mila de los Santos, Assistant Principal of the school, entertained the visitors and even prepared a short program for them, the most part of which consisted of interactions between the benefactors and the recipients.
Indeed, the day turned out to be fruitful for all of them. The pupils and teachers of the school were jubilant about this pleasant surprise and donations from the DAR employees. The DAR regional staff, on the other hand, felt that they took home more than the elementary pupils did. There was a clear realization that everyone can have the chance to share their blessings to the community, with the hope that this simple act can inspire others to do the same.
