Executive Summary

In 2017, the Schools Governance and Operations Division through the initiative and great effort of its OIC-Chief Demosthenes J. Quinal, launched Project BiGBaG to support basic needs of learners and extend assistance to teachers' classroom instructional materials through gift-giving.  BiGBaG means, Believing in God's Blessings and Graces. This Outreach program is supported by division key officials, SGOD Staff, and benevolent stakeholders.

This book contains all the documented efforts of Project BigBag - how the team worked hard as one for the success of the outreach program.

Introduction

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

True happiness comes from giving. helping others makes you evaluate who you are. Being able to help is a privilege for it teaches us how to become concern to those who are in need. It helps us understand the essence of compassion.

It is in this light that Project BiGBag came into being, through the head proponent, Mr. Demosthenes J. Quinal. He organized a team whose members are also advocates of children's rights and protection, to help him realize an outreach program.

Project BiGBag aims to address the problem of poor academic performance of the learners. Utilizing the data of the School Health and Nutrition Section, Project BigBag was able to determine two (2) far-flung schools to launch the project. Hence, the project was launched at Mantuyom ES and San Nicolas ES, San Roque, Bislig City way back December 2017.

Through Project BiGBaG, the most vulnerable children are provided with foods, slippers, school supplies, bags, prizes, toys, and foods. The team organizes simple program and games with prizes for the kids and parents to enjoy. Aside from that, books and used clothes were also provided by benevolent donors. Likewise, Project BiGBaG also provides common supplies to teachers, which they can use for making Instructional Materials. The end in mind is that, Project BiGBaG can help improve the teaching-learning process.

DepEd's goal of providing quality education to learners was alarmed because of the fear brought by Covid 19 Pandemic, but this circumstance did not become a hindrance to Project BiGBaG to continue its advocacy. Reams of bond papers and other supplies were given to schools to be used for the reproduction of self-learning materials which were given to the learners.

"It was indeed an inspiring activity and heartwarming sight that encouraged everyone to exercise making other people happy. Bonding those children was an honor," said ASDS Hector DN Macalalag who was one of the benefactors of Project BigBag V. 1 held in Mantuyom ES and San Nicolas ES.

In its quest to sustain Project BiGBag, the proponent plans to hold outreach program twice a year. Hopefully, it will include tree planting activities to promote not just the love for Mother Earth but also to model DepEd's Core Value of being Makakalikasan. 

For those who have attended, in their own little ways, they made children happy. Every outreach activity experience allowed them to share what they have and bring smiles to the children. Having the opportunity to interact with the less fortunate children gave them an additional learning in life. Above all, it gives lesson that happiness and contentment are choice. God loves a cheerful giver because the gift comes from a heart that has been made glad.