Schools Division of Parañaque through the SGOD headed by Dr. Marilyn B. Timtiman, chief, held its recently concluded Sama-Sama sa Edukalidad: First Virtual Stakeholders Convergence via Google Meet and FB Live streaming and officially launched its Cellphone Drive, July 15.

The Convergence had Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez as its guest who reiterated his firm support to Parañaque learners over the provision of the city’s Wi-Fi connectivity for schools, tablets for Kinder and Grade 1, modules reproduction, and laptops for teachers. “Not even COVID-19 pandemic can stop the education of our children since we believe (that) it’s a legacy we can pass on to them,” he said. “We likewise consider the welfare of our teachers by providing them laptops as a means to motivate them in the distance learning delivery of instruction,” he said further.

“However, we cannot do it alone. The government can only do so much. We need to collaborate in order to cope with the quandary experienced in this pandemic especially in terms of the education of the child,” Mayor Olivarez stated before the listening attendees, particularly the homeowners association, the civic and non-civic organizations.

Meanwhile, Schools Division Superintendent Evangeline P. Ladines articulated her gratitude to Mayor Olivarez for being present in the Convergence in spite of his tight schedule. She also acknowledged the other attendees – the barangay captains in all 16 areas of Parañaque headed by ABC President Chris V. Aguilar, Department Head of External and Homeowners Affairs Ms. Eva Nono, officers of the Rotary and Lions clubs, parents, teachers, and schoolheads.

In her message dubbed as Expression of Hope, Superintendent Ladines appealed to the officers and members of the homeowners association to donate a cellphone for she believes that the cellphone is an equalizer for greater opportunities to learn. Dr. Ladines said that the cellphones need not be brand new. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a second hand as long as it’s still usable and functional,” she said and stated further that the device can be a tool for learning in monitoring the progress of the learners as it can be used by the parents and the learners in connecting with their teachers while in the Modular Distance Learning.

The Convergence was organized by the lead person, Mr. Maximino E. Santos Jr., SEPS for Social Mobilization and Networking and at the same time the Division Focal Person of the Brigada Eskwela. He was assisted by Ms. Leah E. Sudsakorn, EPS II.

Cellphone donors may call or text:  MR. MAXIMINO SANTOS JR. with contact numbers: (Globe) 09178310913; (Smart) 09088947668; (email) maximino.santos@deped.gov.ph (by Reena G. Orquina)