Port of entry, gateway to learning

From leisure to learning,

From summer to slumber,

Ports are just transformers.

And just like that, the kids are now back to school again! While I am not a parent myself, it just brings back so many younger memories seeing the promos for back to school notebooks and shoe sales at the malls. It is indeed a reality that hits differently — summer is officially over and the rainy season is on.

June gloom? Nope, more like June bloom. It is all a matter of perspective.

Gone are the beach days — from the crystal clear waters at the Port of Siquijor, the enchanting island at the Port of Camiguin, not to mention the summer ride from the Port of Calapan to Puerto Galera, and the serene waters of the Port of Tubigon in Bohol.

During the summer, the ports are the gateway for family vacations and island hopping adventures, but at this time the ports are like transformers in the movie as they are the entry and exit points for students and families returning to the city for the school year.

But you know what? There’s actually beauty in the rainy days and school days. Bayanihan for Brigada Eskwela, right? In fact, it is not just the parents, teachers, and students getting back to the daily routine but even the port workers are taking part in this change of season.

This year the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is leveling up its game beyond managing passengers’ safety and convenience as it is stepping into the classrooms, too!

From bridging islands comes bridging learning hubs and communities for young learners.

Earlier this year, the PPA made a big impact at Manila Science High School, donating computers, printers, tables and chairs — tools to help the students navigate the increasingly digital world of learning.

Other than that, to spark interest in port operations and a maritime career, the PPA is conducting Port Educational Tours nationwide. These tours introduce students to the crucial role of ports in economic development and national security, encouraging the next generation to see the maritime industry as a pathway to a bright future.

It doesn’t end there. It seems the PPA is making waves beyond the shores. Take the case of PMO Negros Oriental/Siquijor which donated paving blocks to Sibulan National High School to repair cracked and neglected pathways that thousands of students walk on daily. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in safety and accessibility.

In Masbate, PMO staff warmed the hearts (and stomachs) of volunteers at Masbate National Comprehensive High School by providing food and drinks during cleanup drives. After all, a full day of painting, cleaning and fixing desks is best done with a full stomach.

Over in Iligan, PMO Lanao del Norte/Iligan distributed slippers, school supplies and hygiene kits to students of Iligan City North Central School, bringing smiles and essentials to the children who needed them most. These efforts align with this year’s Brigada Eskwela theme: “Bayanihan para sa Matatag na Paaralan.”

Meanwhile, in Cagayan de Oro City, PMO Misamis Oriental contributed paint, cleaning tools, and school supplies to Macabalan National High School, showing once again that the PPA’s presence is not limited to port terminals — it’s felt in chalk-dusted classrooms and community gymnasiums, too.

All these PPA core initiatives and sharing of blessings to the students and schools nationwide were spearheaded by PPA General Manager Jay Santiago alongside Oplan Byaheng Ayos 2025 to ensure a safe and secure travel season in the month of June.

The PPA has also extended its PPA-lugaw to PPA-back to school programs at the ports nationwide, providing not just immediate assistance but also care and compassion to everyone traveling via seaports.

So as students enter a new school year, don’t worry about the adult things. Enjoy the journey of learning and let the continued support of your public servants and government institutions reach you.

Yes, I know… the household budgets during this time of inflation are being squeezed a bit tighter, especially for the parents of school children. Hence, community efforts like the PPA’s can bring so much assistance and sparks of hope to help the children learn and dream as they grow.

Happy back to school days! We are all in the same boat. With every government agency and stakeholder rowing to move the boat forward, we will surely arrive at our destination. Stay safe folks!