Bicol DepEd Divisions Unite for Masbate: A Testament of Bayanihan After Typhoon Opong
Masbate City, October 2025 — In the true spirit of bayanihan, several Schools Division Offices (SDOs) across the Bicol Region joined hands to extend much-needed assistance to schools in Masbate City that were severely affected by Tropical Storm Opong. The collective effort underscored the Department of Education’s (DepEd) unwavering commitment to helping schools recover and resume operations after calamities.
SDO Camarines Sur Extends Aid to Typhoon-Hit Schools
On October 7, 2025, the Schools Division Office of Camarines Sur, led by SDS Norma B. Samantela, personally visited Tugbo Elementary School and Nursery High School in Masbate City to deliver donations.
Together with ASDS Arvin R. Sese, ASDS Maria Flora T. Pandes, SGOD Chief Pedro J. Pelonio, and officers from the Association of Camarines Sur School Administrators (ACSSA), the delegation turned over school supplies, sacks of rice, printers, Starlink internet equipment, and a ₱20,000 cash donation to Nursery High School.
The donations were received by school heads Madam Ruchel Taumatorgo of Tugbo ES and Principal Sofronio D. Arizala of Nursery HS, along with teaching staff. The turnover was also attended by SDS Nelson S. Morales Jr., ASDS Joy G. Cabrera, and other SDO Masbate City officials, signifying strong inter-division collaboration.
SDO Albay Helps Calolod Elementary School Return to Normalcy
Also on October 7, 2025, the Schools Division Office of Albay, headed by SDS Nene R. Merioles, extended assistance to Calolod Elementary School.
Their donation included school supplies, printers, a generator, and ₱20,000 in cash assistance, along with volunteer-led clearing operations within the school premises. The turnover, facilitated by SGOD Chief Gregorio A. Legal and PDO I Rose Ann Oliva, was warmly received by School Head Ma’am Teresa Espinosa, who expressed deep gratitude for the timely support.
SDO Iriga City Provides Support to Timoteo T. Buncaras Elementary School
On October 13, 2025, the Schools Division Office of Iriga City, led by OIC-SDS Maria-Magnolia F. Brioso, handed over their donations to Timoteo T. Buncaras Elementary School in a ceremony held at the SDO Masbate City Conference Hall.
The contributions included grocery items, toiletries, school supplies, bags of rice, printers, and ₱7,000 cash.
Receiving the donations was School Head Ms. Ysczyl Grace Calimotan, joined by SDO Iriga City personnel EPS II Ana Melba M. Bongon and Principal I Leo B. Sarmiento.
Also present were SDO Masbate City officials led by PSDS Silvino B. Doctolero Jr., PSDS Rosa Cañezal, OIC-CID PSDS Helen A. Verano, and EPS II Kenneth Lim, alongside other division representatives, emphasizing unity across the region.
SDO Tabaco City Extends Aid to Bantigue Schools
The Schools Division Office of Tabaco City, under SDS Fatima D. Buen, CESO V, showed solidarity by visiting Bantigue High School and Bantigue Elementary School on October 15, 2025.
Represented by EPS-SGOD Erwin Barrios, EPS II Arlan Bailon, and PDO II Joseph Rene Basea, the team turned over ₱40,000 to Bantigue HS and ₱60,000 to Bantigue ES, along with school supplies, grocery items and used clothing for the schools.
Principals Alicia Viñas and Era Deocariza gratefully received the donations. The event was also attended by EPS II Kenneth Lim, PSDS Alfredo R. Sese, and Michael Cantonjos, reinforcing a spirit of cooperation and compassion among DepEd personnel.
SDO Ligao City Brings Relief to Bayombon Elementary School
Personnel from the Schools Division Office of Ligao City, led by SDS Nympha Guemo, delivered sacks of rice, noodles, canned goods, and grocery items to Bayombon Elementary School.
Division staff Mary Ann Registrado, Lourdes Morales, Gabriel Pito, and Marven Navares joined in the turnover, providing comfort and relief to learners and teachers affected by the storm.
SDO Legazpi City Offers Assistance to Electo T. Verano Elementary School
On October 16, 2025, the Schools Division Office of Legazpi City, led by SDS Danilo E. Despi, turned over grocery goods and cash assistance to Electo T. Verano Elementary School.
The donation included ₱1,000 for hauling expenses and ₱10,000 for SDO Masbate City, received by School Head Ruel Frias, PSDS Silvino B. Doctolero Jr., and EPS II Kenneth A. Lim.
PDO II Rolan P. Allanza, together with Technical Assistant Carlo Mar Almodal, Richardson Mañago, and others, represented SDO Legazpi City in the turnover.
SDO Sorsogon Province Extends Support to Bolo High School
Rising above distances and disaster, the Schools Division Office of Sorsogon Province demonstrated the enduring Bicolano spirit of solidarity by extending heartfelt support to Bolo High School on October 22, 2025.
Led by SDS Jose B. Doncillo and ASDS Cheryll V. Bermudo, the team brought much-needed supplies including sacks of rice, grocery items, a solar lamp for the school, school supplies, cash assistance for learners and teachers, printers, and reams of bond paper.
The donations were warmly received by OIC Vino T. Zaragoza, representing School Head Ronan Relova, who was on official travel. Around 80 learners, along with parents, guardians, and school personnel, gathered to witness the turnover and express their gratitude.
The distribution was made possible through the efforts of SGOD Chief Gregorio A. Legal, EPS II Kenneth A. Lim, Technical Assistant Carlo Mar Almodal, and Michael Tualla, who joined the team in ensuring that the aid reached its intended beneficiaries.
Their visit stood as a shining example of SDO Sorsogon Province’s compassion and commitment to uplifting fellow educators and learners in times of hardship.
SDO Camarines Norte Hands Over ₱80,000 to Batuhan East Elementary School
On November 18, 2025, SDO Camarines Norte, under the leadership of SDS Crestito M. Morcilla, CESO V, turned over ₱80,000 to Batuhan East Elementary School.
The donation, handed in by EPS II Myla N. Deang, was received by School Head Ariel M. Ng. The financial support will help fast-track the school’s recovery and rehabilitation following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Opong.
SDO Naga City Extends Help to Rene T. Malvar Elementary School
Demonstrating their steadfast commitment to supporting fellow schools in need, the Schools Division Office of Naga City contributed goods, grocery items, and ₱15,000 cash assistance to Rene T. Malvar Elementary School.
The donation provided immediate relief to affected learners and teachers, helping restore essential learning needs following the impact of Tropical Storm Opong. The act of generosity further strengthened regional solidarity and highlighted SDO Naga City’s readiness to assist neighboring divisions in times of crisis.
A Spirit of Unity and Compassion
Through these collective acts of generosity, the DepEd Bicol Region demonstrated the enduring values of compassion, unity, and service. Each donation, from cash to classroom supplies, symbolizes a shared commitment to education and community recovery.
As SDO Masbate City and its schools continue to be rebuilt, the efforts of partner divisions serve as a reminder that even in the face of disaster, Bicolanos rise together, hand in hand, for the sake of every learner.
