Palaw’an Pupils begin school year in the mountains of Rizal, Palawan

For many of the Palaw’an kindergarten pupils, it was their very first encounter with formal education. The unfamiliar classroom setting brought tears to some, their small voices calling softly for their “indo” (mother), while others clutched their new school supplies with wide-eyed awe.

Just outside this classroom, a few mothers stood waiting in silence, offering comfort simply through their presence.

“Mas maliliit ngayon ang mga estudyante ko,” said Teacher Charie. “Syempre may umiiyak, hanap sa indo nila, pero bitbit nila ang mga school supplies na ibinigay sa kanila. Salamat po dahil may magagamit na sila.”

Those supplies arrived just in time, through a small gift-giving outreach I had the privilege to organize the day before.

Each child received notebooks, pencils, pad papers, crayons, sharpeners, raincoats and a brand-new pair of slippers—simple but powerful gifts in a place where many previously walked barefoot on unpaved, muddy trails.

The donation brought more than materials; it brought dignity, safety, and joy to the children of this remote upland village.

Inside this modest classrooms, illuminated by sunlight filtering through open windows, and furnished with worn desks—the work of learning began. Resources may be limited, but the spirit of education is strong in Candawaga.

Here, in the highlands of southern Palawan, hope comes in the form of chalk dust and first-day jitters, in every child who bravely walks through the door, and in every adult who believes in their potential.

On this day, the future grew a little brighter, one barefoot step turned into a confident stride.