‘Pusong Panalo’ brightens students’ path in remote Rizal village

For the children of a remote upland village in Rizal, the pursuit of education often begins with a one-hour trek before sunrise. These students, many from indigenous and low-income families, navigate rugged terrain daily just to reach their classrooms.

To ease this journey, supermarket chain Puregold Price Club Inc. recently delivered a comprehensive support package to Alas-Asin Elementary School through its "Pusong Panalo" program.

The initiative provided the school with solar panels for a reliable power source, a new playground, and health and dental checkups. Students received school supplies, clothing, and footwear, while their families were given grocery packs and livelihood kits to help establish new income streams.

“Puregold’s lens is beautiful; they saw us,” school head Marvie Guinto said in Tagalog. “The need of the school was seen clearly. Although your color is green, your staff has hearts of gold.”

Guinto noted that many students were introduced to snacks and goods they had never seen or tried before.

The visit to Alas-Asin marks the sixth school reached by the program in 2025. Launched in 2024, Pusong Panalo aims to bridge the resource gap between urban and rural communities. The company has reached eight schools to date, with a target of supporting 30 more by 2028 through technology upgrades, classroom renovations, and renewable energy installations.

Puregold president Vincent Co said the initiative is rooted in the belief that education is the primary tool for social mobility.

“For these children, this school represents their hope for a brighter future,” Co said. “We came here to provide better tools and facilities so these students can achieve their dreams.”

The company stated it is currently identifying additional schools across the Philippines to include in the program’s expansion.