Lahutay Tungha’ launched in Bayabas, Surigao Sur to keep 50 at-risk learners in school
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
BAYABAS, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — A new convergence initiative aimed at keeping poor and at-risk learners in school was officially launched in the municipality of Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, as government agencies and local partners rolled out the “Lahutay Tungha: Reach a Child” Program at Solomon P. Lozada National High School (SPLNHS), this town.
Led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Surigao del Sur Provincial Convergence Advisory Committee (PCAC) in partnership with the local government unit of Bayabas, Department of Education (DepEd) Surigao del Sur Division, and other partner stakeholders, the program which was launched ahead of the recent Christmas break sought to address poverty-related barriers that push students to drop out, particularly in last-mile and underserved communities.
The Lahutay Tungha Program, literally meaning “persevere in studies,” is a localized intervention in Surigao del Sur designed to support students at-risk of dropping out (SARDOs) and pupils at-risk of dropping out (PARDOs) by providing immediate educational and basic needs assistance while strengthening guidance and psycho-social support.
According to Irene M. Bausin, teacher and Lahutay Tungha school focal person, 50 students from Grades 7 to 12 of SPLNHS were identified as beneficiaries for the current school year, following careful assessment of learners’ socio-economic conditions.
During the launch, student-beneficiaries received school supplies, assistive goods, and food support, made possible through the collaboration of partner agencies and private stakeholders, including Surigao del Sur Cooperative, Inc. Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SCI MPC).
For Johnrazel Artigo Amora, a Grade 9 student and one of the beneficiaries, the program brings much-needed relief not only to students but also to their families. “Dako kaayo ni nga tabang para sa amo, labi na sa amo nga mga kabus nga estudyante. Ang bugas ug uban pang hinabang nga among nadawat dako kaayo og tabang sa among pamilya ug naghatag kanamo og kusog ug inspirasyon aron makalahutay ko sa pag-eskwela.”
(This support is a huge help for us, especially for students from poor families. The rice and other assistance we received greatly benefited our family and gave me the strength and motivation to continue my studies.)
The initiative is part of the broader PCAC effort, bringing together national government agency members and their partner stakeholders to strengthen education outcomes by responding to the real-life challenges faced by learners, including food insecurity, transportation difficulties, and family economic pressures.
The program on Lahutay Tungha was first piloted in Libas Sud Integrated School in San Miguel town, serving as a model for expansion. Pilot interventions included transport assistance, nutritional support, peer buddy systems, and one-on-one coaching and home visits to address issues such as child labor and household responsibilities.
Officials said the expansion to Bayabas reflects the program’s growing impact and the shared commitment of government and community partners to protect learners from dropping out and to ensure that no child is left behind because of poverty.
Officials and representatives from DepEd, DSWD, PIA, LGUs of Bayabas, SCI-MPC, and LGU San Miguel attended the activity, underscoring the importance of inter-agency collaboration in sustaining education and youth development in Surigao del Sur.
As the Lahutay Tungha Program continues to scale up, education stakeholders expressed optimism that strengthened partnerships and targeted support will help more students endure hardship, remain in school, and pursue a better future. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
