STA. TERESITA, Cagayan — The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 2 through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) formally launched this year’s Project RISE: Radiating Inspiration, Strengthening Education through the Bata Balik Eskwela (BBE) Campaign kick-off activity held on May 15 at Sta. Teresita National High School.

A total of 46 participants composed of 4Ps Not-Attending-School (NAS) and Students At Risk of Dropping Out (SARDO), together with their parents, joined the activity aimed at encouraging learners to continue their education through formal schooling or the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

Project RISE is a yearly initiative of the 4Ps Provincial Operations Office of Cagayan that seeks to strengthen educational support for vulnerable learners and promote school attendance among beneficiaries.

An enhancement introduced in this year’s implementation of the Bata Balik Eskwela campaign is the inclusion of SARDO learners alongside NAS participants to provide early intervention for learners vulnerable to dropping out of school.

The activity included discussions on the importance of education, learner motivation, and the role of parents and communities in supporting children’s schooling. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was also conducted where learners and their parents signed a commitment agreement and “Kasunduan” signifying their commitment to continue the learners’ education either through formal schooling or ALS.

Representatives from the education sector, local government, faith-based organizations, and the program participated in the activity to reinforce collaborative efforts in addressing absenteeism and school dropout concerns.

The activity was hosted by Sta. Teresita National High School, which provided the venue, slippers, and lunch for participants. The LGU of Sta. Teresita supported the activity through meals, school supplies, tokens, and other logistical needs, while St. Paul University donated bags and notebooks for the learners.

Through Project RISE, the 4Ps Provincial Operations Office of Cagayan continues to strengthen initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable learners remain in school and pursue better opportunities through education.