Philippines
Metro Manila
New kicks for the kids: San Juan City distributes 13,000 pairs of rubber shoes to students
New kicks for the kids: San Juan City distributes 13,000 pairs of rubber shoes to students
The San Juan City local government on Monday, March 11, started the distribution of its first-ever Makabagong San Juan rubber shoes to all Kinder to Grade 12 public school students as part of the city's efforts in expanding its educational assistance and services to its youth.
(Photos from Mayor Francis Zamora)
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora led the distribution together with other city government officials at the San Juan Gym.
A total of 13,000 pairs of the customized rubber shoes were given away to students. Zamora stressed that the project is a key component of the city's comprehensive education program which aims to provide students with essential resources for their academic journey.
“These pairs of rubber shoes, will not only enhance the comfort of students as they walk or commute to school but will also symbolize the city's commitment to investing in the future generation thru quality education", Zamora said.
“Kahit anong pangarap natin sa buhay, kaya pong maabot yan basta tayo ay mag-aaral nang mabuti. Ito po ang aming paraan ipakita sa inyo ang aming suporta sa inyong edukasyon. Ang simpleng hiling lang po ni mayor ay, mag-aral po kayo nang mabuti. Ginagawa ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ang lahat upang maibigay sa inyo ang inyong pangangailangan. Sa mga magulang, suportahan natin hanggang sa dulo ang ating mga anak (We can surely achieve whatever our dream is in life as long as we study diligently. This is our way of showing to you our support in your education. My simple wish for you as mayor is to please study hard. The city government is doing everything to give you everything that you need. To our parents, please always support our children till the very end)," he added.
Following the success of last year's distribution of black school shoes to pre-school and daycare students, the provision of rubber shoes will complete the school uniforms of San Juan City public school students. Over the past two years, students have been benefitting from the LGU-provided free school and P.E. uniforms, with the addition of the customized rubber shoes to complete their school wardrobe.
The mayor first announced the creation of the red and white colored rubber shoes in January saying that the distribution of the sneakers may start in April.
"We are manufacturing close to 13,000 pairs of this rubber shoes kaya hindi po ganyan kabilis gumawa ng 13,000 sapatos at ito po ay customized. Talagang specially designed and manufactured for San Juan public school students (We are manufacturing close to 13,000 pairs of this rubber shoes and it's not that easy and quick to make these 13,000 pairs as this is customized. The rubber shoes are specially designed and manufactured for San Juan public school students)," the mayor explained in his Kwentuhan with Mayor Francis Zamora segment.
He added that all students have already been checked for their foot sizes in recent months.
"Sa lahat ng mag-aaral na makakatanggap nito, nawa'y patuloy kayong mag-aral nang mabuti sapagkat sinisikap ng pamahalaang lungsod na maibigay ang lahat ng tulong at suporta sainyo upang wala na kayong problemahin pa kundi ang mag-aral. (To all students who will receive this, I hope you will all study diligently because the city government is doing its best to give you all the help and assistance you may need so that your only focus is to study well)," Zamora noted.
The mayor also announced that the old San Juan Gym will be demolished this 2024 to pave the way for a new multi-level sports complex.
The new Makabagong San Juan Sports Complex will have a 25-meter, 5-lane swimming pool, basketball and volleyball stadium, physical fitness gym, taekwondo studio, mixed martial arts studio, badminton, table tennis, billiards, chess, and an indoor running track.
Necessary tools
The local chief emphasized the importance of equipping students with the necessary tools for success and creating an environment conducive to learning and growth, explaining that the distribution of rubber shoes, along with other initiatives such as free laptops and tablets for students and teachers, free fiber optic internet connection in classrooms and households of students, and smart TVs in classrooms, reflect the city's commitment to advancing education and empowering its youth.
He also expressed his deep understanding of the challenges faced by some public school students who, despite financial constraints, relentlessly pursue their studies for a brighter future.
"I recognize the predicament of many of our public school students who face financial challenges but continue to strive for academic excellence. Our goal is to provide them with the all out support they need to thrive and succeed," Zamora said.
The city had also ramped up its efforts in providing financial assistance and rewards to students who excel in academics and sports.
Monthly educational assistance is also available for the children of underprivileged solo parents; 100 children who need special protection, including victim-survivors of violence; children in conflict with the law, children at risk, and children under foster care.
The mayor also founded different facilities for the benefit of the children and youth. These include basketball courts and child development centers under the Early Childhood Care and Development Program of San Juan.
"This holistic approach to education aims to nurture well-rounded individuals and recognize the hard work and dedication of students who go the extra mile in their studies and extracurricular activities," Zamora said.
“We are really committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment wherein all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential and I believe that the San Juaneño students, with the all out support of our Makabagong San Juan, can be the best students of the country,” the local chief explained.