Project Sagip Kamag-Aral Marks Five Years of Advancing Literacy and Community Development in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur — What began as a simple student-led initiative at Mecolong National High School has evolved into a full-fledged community movement, transforming lives across Dumalina,  Zamboanga del Sur  through literacy advocacy and compassionate outreach.

In 2020, inspired by the alarming results of the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which ranked the Philippines lowest in reading and comprehension among participating countries, then-SSG President Jay Keane P. Donasco of Mecolong National High School took action. Having witnessed firsthand the number of struggling readers in his school, Donasco initiated a grassroots literacy project aimed at uplifting young learners one child at a time.

This initiative, later known as Project Sagip: A House-to-House Reading and Literacy Program, was formally launched on July 2, 2020, with the support of 28 dedicated volunteers. The program provided home-based tutorials to children, with each volunteer mentoring 1 to 5 beneficiaries.The project quickly gained traction, drawing attention from both local leaders and educators.

With the guidance of retired Public Schools District Supervisors who developed reading modules and trained the volunteers, and the help of fellow SSG Presidents from eight participating schools, the project expanded significantly. By 2021, the number of volunteers had grown to 87, with outreach efforts reaching even the coastal and rural barangays of the municipality.

Seeing the program’s potential, Donasco then serving as a Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) member and now the SK Chairperson of Matab-ang formally proposed the initiative to the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) and Mayor Junaflor “Sweet” Cerilles. The project was swiftly adopted and institutionalized by the Local Government Unit of Dumalinao, solidifying its place in the community’s development framework.

This year marks the 5th anniversary of Project Sagip, celebrated with a meaningful Community Outreach Program held at Purok Kalubian, Barangay Matab-ang. In partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan of Matab-ang, Sagip volunteers distributed food packs, school supplies, and most importantly, shared stories of hope and encouragement with children and families in need.

“Every act of kindness leaves a lasting impact,” shared Donasco during the event. “This project started with a dream to help just one child read. Today, it has become a movement that touches entire communities. We are here not just to teach reading, but to share compassion and build a better future.”

The event was made possible through the generous support of Mayor Sweet Cerilles, Former Vice Governor Ace Cerilles, SK Calingayan, and key community partners such as Gee Pee. The outreach was more than a distribution activity  it was a celebration of service, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of youth leadership.

Under the banner “Serving with Purpose, Leading with Heart,” Sagip Kamag-Aral Organization continues to thrive, driven by passionate youth volunteers who believe in the power of literacy to change lives.

As it enters its next chapter, the program serves as a shining example of how a simple idea born in a public high school can grow into a powerful force for change proving that when young people lead with purpose, their impact knows no bounds.