WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: PEACE & DepEd gave Bicycles to schoolchildren in far-flung areas to boost access to education

Philippine Educators Association of CESOs and Eligibles Inc. (PEACE) handed over 18 bicycles to students of Lusaran National High School in support of the Department of Education's (DepEd) Pedals and Paddles Project, a campaign to bring boats and bikes to schoolchildren in far-flung areas aiming to boost access to education. The aim of the Pedals and Paddles Project is to ease the travel time of students through the distribution of boats and bicycles in communities that need them the most. In several occasions, Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC underscored that the department remains committed to the delivery of quality basic education to Filipino learners -- especially to those who live in areas where transportation remains a challenge. The secretary said that DepEd wants to let every student know that we have not forgotten them and that they are not alone. When asked for comment, DepEd Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali, who also is the President of PEACE, emphasized that no learners should be left behind in education. He added that through Pedals and Paddles, the organization hopes to help students who live far from their schools, and in turn, improve their performance in school by reducing their travel time. Through Pedals and Paddles, Umali also said they want to encourage students to attend school and perform better and to bring the school to Filipino children." The Pedals and Paddles Project is a partnership campaign between DepEd, Bike for the Philippines, and Yellow Boat of Hope. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/opinion/2014/11/23/mendoza-access-education-senior-high-school-378216