ZONTASKWELA: Service beyond geographical jurisdiction

The Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, extended its support beyond provincial boundaries by donating grocery packs to students at Masi Elementary School, San Juan Integrated School and Bural Integrated School in Zinundungan Valley, Rizal, Cagayan. The donation coincided with the first-ever graduation exercises for 54 of the 96 beneficiaries from the three schools.

The initiative was carried out in collaboration with DepEd Region 02, under the leadership of SGOD Chief Dr. Romulo Ancheta, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Orlando E. Manuel, ASDS Dr. Adonis Ceperez and project focal persons Dr. Roscoe Gacusana and Maria Licel Balico.

These schools are part of the "Classhome of Zinundungan Valley" project, a major effort by DepEd Region 02 to enhance education in remote and underserved areas. As Last Mile Schools located in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), they were notably featured in the Philippine National Voluntary Report to the United Nations in 2022.

This initiative reflects the club’s strong commitment to service and advocacy, reaching beyond its own community to support education and opportunities for learners in need.