From customized shoes to art supplies, here's what's included in the different LGUs' school kits
Free school supplies and essentials are more than just tools, they're investments in a child's future.
Local governments across the country are recognizing this and going above and beyond to provide these necessities. They're transforming school kits into city-branded "back-to-school merch," making education accessible (and a little cooler).
These stylish and practical school supplies are now making rounds online, generating buzz and excitement as the new school year approaches. Let's take a look at how different LGUs are stepping up their game in providing free school supplies.
Quezon City
Mayor Joy Belmonte revealed the Quezon City's learning kit on Monday, July 29. It features their "QucCi bag," inspired by the design of the famous luxury fashion brand Gucci.
The learning kit is composed of different supplies based on the needs of the student's learning level. Aside from school materials, the bag includes a red tumbler, alcohol spray, and a pencil case.
Pasig City
On Tuesday, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto unveiled a new set of school supplies, which will be distributed to all public school students from kindergarten to senior high school.
Aside from materials, the city government will also provide complete school uniforms, P.E. uniforms, leather shoes, and custom-made blue rubber shoes for all students.
Likewise, Sotto said they will also launch "Malusog na Batang Pasigueño 2.0," which provides health exams for students this school year. The exams include eye/vision tests, CBC, and X-rays, among others.
Makati City
Students in Makati are to receive "Better School Supplies" this year.
In addition to writing and art supplies, students will be given two sets of school uniforms, P.E. uniforms, socks, grocery packs, emergency kits, rain boots, student insurance, and the new AB 6.0 rubber shoes.
In a separate post, the city proudly showcased the complete look of its newly customized rubber shoes. They have printed the letter "M" on the side and the city logo on the back.
"This is 6! AB 6.0! Better style, Better moves! Ready na ba kayo?," it said in a Facebook post.
Taguig City
Like the other cities mentioned above, Taguig City also stepped up its school kit.
The "I Love Taguig School Bag" contains writing and art supplies and uniforms for kindergarten to senior high school students.
The city also offers free alteration services to ensure the sizes of student uniforms. You can access the service through this link.
Mandaluyong City
In Mandaluyong City, instead of their typical blue and yellow coded school supplies, uniforms, and shoes, they added a bolder color, black, to spice up the design.
The LGU also distributed other school necessities, such as reflectorized Go Bags, tablets for laboratory use, and printers that can be used for free in the city's public schools.
Educators in the city also received work shoes, while students get free haircut at the Mandaluyong Manpower and Tech-Voc Center.
Caloocan City
Students from Caloocan City also received free school supplies, which included a customized army green bag with the city's logo and Mayor Along Malapitan's initials, customized notebooks, and other supplies.
Muntinlupa City
The City of Muntinlupa also joined the hype.
Dubbed the "Libreng Balik Eskwela Package," the school supplies, based on the student's grade-level needs, will be given to early childhood to senior high school students.
Likewise, Muntinlupa also has its own version of rubber shoes called "MUNWalk Sneakers." Kindergarten to Grade 6 students will receive MUNWalk sneakers with blue and white prints, while Grade 7 to Grade 12 students will have black sneakers.
Meanwhile, at least 738 schools in areas affected by Super Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon postponed the opening of classes on Monday, July 29, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said about 246 schools reported flooding while 425 were turned into evacuation centers, 64 of these are still housing evacuees.
According to a Philippine STAR report, about 42 schools in Malabon City, 33 in Marikina City, 2 in Navotas City, 44 in Pasig City, 14 in Quezon City, and 71 in Valenzuela City did not open the school last July 29.
Affected areas such as Bataan, Balanga, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac Province, Cotabato, Abra, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Baguio also have schools that couldn't start classes last Monday.
Nonetheless, various schools will begin on Wednesday, July 31, like in Malabon, while Valenzuela and Marikina City schools have moved the start of school to August 5.