SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao – In an effort to maximize the use of his remaining period until his successor is elected to office by June 30, Maguindanao officer-in-charge Gov. Gani Biruar launched a twin program dubbed “Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Kaunlaran” and “Balik-Eskwela” at the Capitol Building here.

“There is a need to secure continuity of beneficial programs like this,” explained Biruar before representatives from health, education, agriculture, and social services sectors at the recent launching ceremonies.

The “back-to-back” program was initiated by Biruar’s predecessor OIC Vice-Gov. Bai Nariman Ambolodto who was overjoyed by the realization of one of her flagship programs for the province.

Balik-Eskwela program is anchored on a package of different provisions to motivate pupils, teachers, and school administrators to attain quality education with high participation and achievement ratings.

Under the program, local pupils have been identified to receive educational and medical packages consisting of free pencils, paper, and bags including essential medicines such as paracetamol and amoxicillin to be distributed through designated nurses of the Department of Education (DepEd), Biruar said.

At least 48 schools identified under the program would also receive laptops and reference materials like dictionaries, books, charts, maps, globes, atlas, and similar supplies.

A mini-library will be established to include Math laboratory for each of the 48 schools in the province, he said.

Biruar also announced financial subsidy for teachers to include payment of P5,000 for each of the 60 volunteer teachers.

While the “Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Kaunlaran” program is a convergence effort of different agencies delivering comprehensive basic services in education, agriculture, health, and social services.
Corresponding Memorandum of Agreements (MoAs) would be forged between the implementing agencies and prospective recipient local government units, Biruar said.

On agriculture, recipients will be given carabaos, plows, harrows, and certified rice, corn and vegetables seeds covering one pilot barangay (village) for each in the 36 towns of the province.