High up in the upland barangay of Canauillan, where classrooms hum with the laughter of children and the enduring hopes of families, a powerful story continues to unfold — one rooted in compassion, resilience, and the unyielding belief that every child deserves a chance to learn.
This week marked a significant milestone for Project Layong, a local and innovative initiative of Canauillan Elementary School and its surrounding community. The program was created to address pressing challenges in literacy, numeracy, and absenteeism — the latter often linked to hunger and poverty. On this day, the school proudly celebrated the graduation of the first batch of Project Layong learners, a testament to what can happen when educators, families, and partners work hand in hand to uplift young lives.
Adding to the joy of the celebration was the distribution of school bags by PCCI Iloilo Cares, facilitated by Iloilo Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias, in partnership with JCI Iloilo. For the young learners of Canauillan Elementary School, these were more than just bags — they were symbols of hope and encouragement, reminders that they are not alone in their journey toward a brighter future.
The PCCI Iloilo Cares initiative — the corporate social responsibility arm of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo Chapter, Inc. (PCCI Iloilo) — is funded through proceeds of the annual Ilonggo Parol of Hope. This Christmas-driven advocacy transforms the generosity of the Ilonggo business community into tangible support for children, schools, and vulnerable sectors across the province.
How Project Layong Began
In early 2024, teachers at Canauillan Elementary School were confronted with a heartbreaking reality: many of their students were falling behind in reading and numeracy. But behind those statistics were stories of children with big dreams but limited means — some walking two to three hours every day from remote sitios like Danao, often arriving hungry, tired, and unprepared. Breakfast, if available at all, was a simple piece of palawan, saging, or kamote.
Faced with this reality, the teachers and school leaders asked themselves a profound question: “What can we do?” Guided by their Public Schools District Supervisor, Dr. Lucia Lamanero, they took on the challenge of creating an innovation that would address these barriers head-on.
Rooted in the Panay Bukidnon word “Layongan” — meaning to support or to help — Project Layong was born. It became more than just a program; it was a promise to stand beside every learner, especially the most vulnerable, and to provide the support they need to succeed.
Bayanihan at Work
Today, Project Layong reflects the heart and spirit of Canauillan: resilient, compassionate, and united. It is the product of tireless teachers, supportive barangay officials, dedicated parents, and generous partners — all working together to create lasting change.
Through initiatives like PCCI Iloilo Cares, the chamber reaffirms its unwavering commitment to championing inclusive growth and community development — ensuring that education, hope, and opportunity reach even the farthest corners of Iloilo. PCCI Iloilo extends its deepest gratitude to Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias for his steadfast support and partnership in making this mission possible. Together, we continue to build a future where no child is left behind.
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