BAGGAO, Cagayan – In a bid to strengthen efforts in bringing out-of-school children back to learning, the Provincial Operations Office of Cagayan and the Municipal Action Team (MAT) of Baggao, in coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU), conducted its Bata Balik Eskwela Campaign dubbed as Project RISE: Radiating Inspiration, Strengthening Education on April 30, 2025.
A total of eighteen (18) child participants—both in-school and out-of-school youth beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) attended the said activity which aimed to promote a supportive and inspiring environment where participants discussed the importance of education, the challenges they face, and the role of peer encouragement in returning to school.
A key highlight of the activity was the active involvement of in-school 4Ps beneficiaries, who took the lead in sharing their own experiences, challenges, and the transformative impact of education in their lives. Their testimonies served as powerful encouragement for their out-of-school peers, many of whom expressed a renewed interest in resuming their studies—either through formal schooling or the Alternative Learning System (ALS).
Support for the event was also extended by Michael Angelo Manpower Exponent Inc. (MMEI), which provided school supplies to the participants.
The participating children will be closely monitored and guided by the MAT for appropriate referrals to either formal schooling or ALS, depending on their individual circumstances.
POO Cagayan also plans to hold two provincial-level BBE events on May 20–21, 2025, in Tuguegarao City and Enrile, Cagayan, further extending the reach of Project RISE across the province and strengthening the impact of the BBE campaign.