The women-leaders of the School Governing Council (SGC) of Taloot Central Elementary School in Argao, Cebu are known to be one bunch of active and committed SGC members.  They regularly meet to plan and implement project and activities identified in the School Improvement Plan.  Things were suddenly put to a stop in March because of restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine.  For more than two months, these women focused on their families, ensuring their health and well-being.   

In May, these women-leaders could not resist the call to public service when they were informed that families from “puroks” or sub-villages needed assistance. These are the families who were not considered eligible beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the government for poor families affected by the pandemic. 

The women-leaders planned to raise funds and conduct a relief operation for these excluded families.  They were able to raise a total of PhP 56,125.00 in only 3 days.   They started the ball rolling by putting in their own donations.  Soon after, teachers, alumni and residents of Barangay Taloot followed suit. They bought 15 kilos of rice, repacked and distributed these to 168 household beneficiaries.  Delivery of the rice was efficiently organized through the transport assistance provided by the barangay. 

In June, the women-leaders of the SGC, together with the PTA officers, facilitated the construction of a hand wash facility at Taloot Elementary School’s main entrance.  The School Principal requested the project for the safety and hygiene of students, teachers, school personnel and parents.  

The SGC of Taloot CES went the extra mile to extend help to their fellowmen in this difficult time.  They are simply remarkable and we salute them!