Our visit to Dagami Elementary School in Maasin, Iloilo was intended  to  find out  why Grade 3  learners  scored  very low in the  reading assessment test  conducted  last year.   Based on the test results,  there are  children who could not answer even one comprehension question correctly.  These  findings were validated  when we  had a  session  with  two  Grade 3  classes – Sections  Sterling and Euro.  

Dagami is one of the 50 barangays  in the Municipality of  Maasin,  Iloilo.   An upland barangay,  it  is  675  ft  above sea  level.   The road to Dagami  Eementary School  is  long  and winding.   When we  reach the school,  we immediately visited   a  Grade  3  classroom.  Upon entering the room  we noted that children are  timid,  they  look sad,   others are  expressionless  and always  facing down.    Most children  are  stunted  or  small for their age.     Most  are  9  years  old but  they look like they are  only  5 or 6 years old.   

When  tested in Reading,  children  can  recognize  sounds of letters and do simple  blending.   And the good news  is  they can read simple words  such as  “bag”.   It was  a  challenge  for them to read “teeth”  and  “morning”   but  they are able to do so  when  guided.    However,  they do not understand  English questions.  They cannot answer  basic English questions like  “what is your name?”,  “how old are you?”  Teacher Mary Jane said  they are not fluent in English and  Filipino language.    Hiligaynon is  used  as  medium of instruction.    Children  understand Hiligaynon better  but they are being   transitioned  to  Filipino and English  according to Teacher Mary Jane.    Another  observation is  they  do not know  how to compare and contrast.   They have   difficulty  processing   “short” vs  “tall”,  “small”  vs  “big”.    It appears  they  need  help  in developing  critical thinking skills.   

Mam  Nene  did not do a  story reading  and instead  asked  the children to sing two songs.    It was a  joy  to  hear them  sing   “this is the way we brush our teeth”  and  “when you’re happy and you know it – clap your hands,  stomp your feet,  twist your hips”.   The children grin from ear to ear.

During conversation with parents,  they  share stories of  daily struggles in life.   Rain or shine, they walk with their children to school every day.    Going to the school entails   2  to  3 hours  of walking.  Since it is an upland area  they start trekking  as early as  5AM to be in  school before 8AM.    Children take breakfast while  walking to school.    Breakfast  consists  of  rice  and  coffee.     Going home,  children get so tired  and they fall asleep right away.

When asked what support  parents  needs  from the Local Government,  a mother with seven children  becomes emotional and  said  her eldest  son needs P3,000 for his TESDA  NC2  assessment on shielded metal arc welding.  She has saved up  P1,000  and  needs to save more  to complete payment  for  the assessment fee.    To help out,  Maasin SB John Mondejar committed to provide the remainder of  the TESDA fee.   Another  mother  said  the trek to the school is  rough  and  asks  for  medical assistance  for  her son who has difficulty walking.     A father who works  as a driver   said  he supports  his family  and  sends  his children to school.   His wife is an overseas  worker.     All they  want is for their  children  to complete  education.  

Geographical disadvantage,  hunger,  and lack of better opportunities.    We can feel  the struggle of parents.    Against all odds they do  what is  best  for their children and family.