Beyond the bylines:TeaManda’s ‘Oplan RISE’ brings aid to AHIS learners
Moving beyond deadlines and pressure of competition, Highway Hills Integrated School (HHIS) campus journalists proved that the power of storytelling is best felt when paired with service at Addition Hills Integrated School (AHIS) conference room, February 1.
In line with the Schools Division Office (SDO) Mandaluyong City’s thrust to promote learner-centered, values-driven, and socially responsive education, TeaManda Loves and Cares (TLC): Relief Intervention, and Support for Emergencies (Oplan RISE), campus journalists and school paper advisers visited Addition Hills Integrated School (AHIS) to provide aid and solidarity to students recovering from recent fire that devasted their houses and community.
One hundred sixty-nine AHIS learners benefited on the said outreach program which was the Team’s response to the “Call for Help” posted by Mr. Coulee, a school paper adviser in AHIS.
“Malaking tulong po ang mga natanggap naming relief packs at suportang sosyal at emosyonal dulot ng psychosocial activities na isinagawa sa amin sa RISE” Raiko Escario, a grade 5 learner said.
The student journalists were encouraged to use their observation and listening skills to see “beyond the numbers” and connect with the real human stories of the AHIS community.
The initiative is rooted in a tradition of service that began in 2017 when the group first reached out to the Aeta community in Porac, Pampanga where they taught parallel gardening, literacy, and self-care.
On the first day of love month, that same spirit of malasakit (compassion) was brought to the halls of AHIS.
Meanwhile, the event concluded with interactive games and distribution of prizes, turning a day of relief into a day of play and connection. The “OPlan Rise” initiative serves as a reminder to the academic community that true success is not measured by trophies, but by how many people we lift up along the way.
– John Jiro Miranda