Bananas,ducks sustain the school and pupils

Malungon,Sarangani Province (September 27, 2006) – Parents shall clear theempty spaces around the school, plant banana, and receive a subsidy ofsix sacks of rice per month until December.This "food for work" scheme at Lamlifew Elementary School attempts toraise the academic performance of pupils where low income affects thephysical condition of children."It is by planting any agricultural product like banana that can be ofgreat help in times of economic agony," said Marilyn Falsario, theproject in-charge."Parents' response was all in affirmative to the planning andimplementation of the cardava banana plantation in the school," sheadded.The parents, teachers, some village officials and pupils have plantedbanana, 20 mango seedlings and 100 mahogany seedlings around theschool.Loida Esperanza, school in-charge, reported to Governor Migs Dominguezthe progress of "projects you have given to our school with so muchpride and joy."Esperanza reported that aside from the banana plantation-"food forwork" system, her school has embarked on a duckery project from theprovincial government.Sitio Lamlifew in barangay Datal Tampal is predominantly B'laanvillage with rich cultural heritage.According to Falsario, the duckery was an "additional gift" in orderto help her little school.The duckery project aims to gain profit by raising the 37 ducks givento the school and multiply their number every year."In taking care of this livelihood project, a daily rotation offeeding and watching the ducks was made by the parents by groups,"Falsario said.The ducks' housing was built within the school premises in theelevated portion near a brook. A little gate serves as a passage forthe ducks in going to their swimming pool.The Citizen's Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), sitio officialswith some male residents share responsibilities by guarding the ducksat night, Falsario disclosed."They bring duyan (hammocks) and sleep in the dirty kitchen near thepoultry house," the teacher said."Today we sacrifice our time tending the ducks with a vision to gainsomething profitable in the future," said Falsario.Lamlifew Elementary School has also a feeding program funded by theprovincial government.Parents, teachers and sitio officials group into fives when feedingtheir 170 pupils. Each group member brings vegetables or anything theyhave at home which can be used as a viand.During a class day, 15 kilos of rice are cooked for the pupils' consumption.Falsario said the feeding program has become a "main attraction" forpupils in this impoverished village."Absenteeism is very minimal now. The teaching-learning process issomehow becoming progressive," she said."The children show eagerness in schooling because their stomachs arefull and they have energy to use in listening and participating in theclass discussion," Falsario said. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)