06/06/2026
When the reports came out about Davao Occidental, highlighting low reading comprehension and a critical gap in student nutrition, it felt like a heavy weight. Itโs easy to get overwhelmed by numbers. But behind every percentage is a child with a massive imagination, just waiting for the right fuel to ignite it.
The Unified Peers initiative didn't start in a boardroom; it started in our hearts. We gathered because we knew that waiting for a solution meant letting another school year slip by for these kids.
So, we planned and prepare module thru the teachers of Bito Elementary School, prepared the nourishment, implementation started at Bito Elementary School, Brgy. Bito Malita Davao Occidental.
This mission became a whole community awakening, fueled by powerful partnerships and a shared vision.
Our deepest gratitude to Mayor Ismo Bautista and Ma'am Emma Bautista, whose unwavering support paved the way for this intervention thruogh the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) Local Youth Development Office - Malita expertly headed by Sir Greggy Roy A. Marques, the youthโs potential was put front and center. On the ground, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Council of Brgy. Bito, led by SK Chairperson Dave Relatado, proved that local youth leadership is a force to be reckoned with and to Dr. Bebeth Montero who always their to support the children.
To the Provincial Governor Hon. Atty Franklin Bautista, and Provincial Administrator Sir Brett Bautista through FPB Youth for intending support, we thank always.
We found incredible allies inside the school gates, too. Bito Elementary School Head, Sir Renato Bacamante Jr. opened the doors to collaboration, while Reading Coordinator, Ma'am Mary Grace A. Lopez, seamlessly guided the integration of the Summer Aral Program participants so we could target those who needed it most. They are the unsung heroes fighting on the frontlines of education every day, and we are honored to lift that weight off their shoulders.
At the helm of this movement, Unified Peers President Clement Alcasin, alongside our dedicated Board of Directors, Jaypee Agtarap, Mark Anthony Agtarap, Adrian Relatado, Justine John Losanoy, Saicy Relatado Flora Mae Maticaldao and Florian Maticaldao, steered the vision forward with passion.
But a blueprint is nothing without the hands that build it. A massive salute goes to our hard-working Food Committee: Kuya Makoy, Kuya Reeven, Kuya Bryle, Kuya Reejohn, and Kuya Toni, who ensured everything ran smoothly, and to our selfless Volunteer Mentors: Kuya JJ, Ate Joy2x, Ate Eloy, Ate Langging, Ate Pipay, Ate Saicy, and Ate Elang. You gave your time, your patience, and your love to sit with each child sentence by sentence.
And the absolute heart of it all? The students.
When we sit down with these resilient Summer Aral Program participants, watching them gain the physical strength to learn from the meals provided, and the courage to sound out unfamiliar words, the statistics completely fade away. In their place is pure, unfiltered potential. A child who once walked into the room hesitant and hungry is now raising their hand, eager to turn the page.
From the municipal leadership down to the classroom floors, Barangay Bito has shown us the true definition of Bayanihan. We are on the ground, fueling bodies, empowering teachers, and uniting a community to rewrite the future of Malitaโs youth.
Weโve started the chapter... Will you help us write the next line? โ๏ธโค๏ธ
