More than P7.6 million ($136,000) in educational supplies were donated by the American government to help more than 18,500 students in Bicol badly hit by recent typhoons.

The donation demonstrates the US’ commitment to helping communities recover, allowing kids to go back to school.

“Education is not just a means of learning, but a lifeline that helps restore hope and builds resilience,” USAID Philippines acting education office director Yvette Malcioln said.

“We hope that these resources will help students and teachers recover and ensure that education can continue despite disruptions to learning caused by recent disasters.” 

The aid package includes 18,600 learner kits and 8,884 early grade reading materials that will help guarantee learning continuity for students in kindergarten through grade three.

USAID also donated 528 teacher kits that will support teaching staff across 54 affected schools in the region. 

“The Department faced a challenge in printing textbooks. USAID and the ABC+ project came to our aid by providing us with materials and books for the children. They did not skimp on the quality of their materials and their assistance to us,” DepEd Secretary Edgardo Angara said. 

These educational materials are in addition to P336 million ($6 million) in assistance that the United States has provided to support the Philippine government’s response and deliver lifesaving assistance to communities affected by tropical storms, typhoons and subsequent flooding since 25 October.