DepEd Caraga Regional Office

DAVAO OCCIDENTAL, July 30, 2026 — Demonstrating that compassion knows no boundaries, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region Caraga conducted the Caraga Cares Compassion Project in the Schools Division of Davao Occidental on July 30, 2026, extending assistance to learners, teachers, and school communities affected by the recent earthquake.

The project, led by Regional Director Allan G. Farnazo, CESO III, provided educational and relief assistance to schools severely affected by the disaster, reaffirming DepEd Caraga's commitment to responsive, compassionate, and people-centered public service, in coordination with the Schools Division Office of Davao Occidental.

The CaraCares Compassion Project was initiated by then-Regional Director Maria Ines C. Asuncion, CESO III, as a humanitarian outreach program anchored on the spirit of volunteerism and shared responsibility.

Over the past two years, the initiative has been institutionalized as one of DepEd Caraga's flagship community engagement programs and has steadily expanded its reach beyond the region. Recognizing its meaningful impact on learners, educators, and communities, Director Farnazo has committed to sustaining and strengthening the program, ensuring that the culture of compassion continues to inspire hope wherever help is needed.

The project benefited two municipalities:

1. Jose Abad Santos

Ignacia Guillermo Central Elementary School – 271 learner loot bags, backpacks with school supplies, and rice assistance for 71 school personnel.

Ignacia Guillermo High School – rice assistance for 45 school personnel.

2. Sarangani

Learner loot bags were distributed to 1,031 learners from 16 schools, including Angel F. Olarte Sr. ES, Camaligat ES, Camalig ES, Guillermo Olarte ES, Kababa ES, Konel ES, Laker ES, Mabula CES, Mangahas ES, Patuko IS, Pulabato ES, Sangkokdatu ES, Togen ES, Tutina ES, Tuoral ES, and Ubas ES.

Learners also received backpacks containing school supplies, food items, and other goods through the support of DepEd Caraga's Schools Division Offices.

A total of 233 school personnel received 5-kilogram sacks of rice.

During the ceremonial turnover, additional donations were also handed over, including learning resource materials, books, learner school kits backpacks, and sacks of rice for learners and teachers.

The assistance was made possible through the collective efforts of the Schools Division Offices of DepEd Caraga, which served as the principal donors of the initiative, reflecting the region's strong culture of volunteerism and shared responsibility.

The project also received invaluable support from EastWest Rural Bank Region XI, ATB Sourcing OPC, OBERMAN, Milo Philippines, Mindanao Educators Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (MEMBA) Region XII, and the Local Government Unit of Jose Abad Santos led by Hon. Mayor Jason John A. Joyce and Barangay Captain Hon. Marjorie B. Guillermo of Barangay Nuing. The Lombocal National High School of the Schools Division of Butuan City, through Principal Rachel Rendon, likewise donated books and other learning materials, further enriching the educational resources provided to earthquake-affected learners.

Aside from the material support, the CaraCares team also provided mental health and psychosocial support to affected learners at Ignacia Guillermo Central Elementary School, led by a team of psychologists, nurses, and technical assistants from the regional and division offices. Together, these contributions brought hope, encouragement, and much-needed assistance to the school communities of Davao Occidental.

Through Caraga Cares, DepEd Caraga continues to demonstrate that education is not confined within the walls of the classroom. It is a commitment to stand with communities in times of crisis, restore hope amid adversity, and affirm that no learner, teacher, or school is left behind.

By: The Public Affairs Unit

DepEd Caraga

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For more information, contact (085) 221-1151, 0961-737-0873, or 0915-808-4734. Website: www.caraga.deped.gov.ph; email: caraga@deped.gov.ph; pau_caraga@deped.gov.ph

#CaragaCares #MissionCompassion #DepEdCaraga #OneDepEd #BayanihanParaSaEdukasyon #DavaoOccidentalStrong

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