Caloocan gov't distributes backpacks to students on first day of classes
Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan and the local government started on Tuesday, Aug. 29, the distribution of backpacks to Kinder to Grade 6 students from different city public schools as classes for school year 2023-2024 opened in the city.
“Hindi ko na po kayo kayang gulatin dahil matagal na po itong program ng ating lungsod. Asahan niyo na po na taon-taon, sagot na po ng pamahalaang lungsod ang mga kagamitan ng ating mga mag-aaral. Kami po ang bahalang magbigay ng sandata upang makatulong sa kanilang laban na magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan (I can't surprise you anymore because this program of our city has been around for a long time. Expect that every year, the city government will shoulder the equipment of our students. It is up to us to provide tools to help them fight for a better future),” Malapitan said.

According to the city government, the annual distribution of bags with school supplies started in 2013 during the term of former Caloocan City Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan.
Mayor Along also called on parents to continue being partners by encouraging their children to study and attend their classes.
According to the mayor, investing for the future by ensuring quality education for the youth will always be the wisest decision of any leader.
“Sinisiguro ko po sa inyo, hindi niyo na kailangang gumastos nang malaki para sa pag-aaral ng inyong mga anak mula elementarya, high school, at kolehiyo. Kaya sana po, siguraduhin natin na papasok sila sa mga klase at mag-aaral nang mabuti (I can assure you that you don't have to spend a lot for your children's education from elementary school, high school, and college. So hopefully, let's make sure they go to classes and study hard),” Malapitan said.
“Uulit-ulitin ko po, kahit kailan po ay hindi ako magsisisi na ang pinakamalaking investment po natin ay laging para sa edukasyon at kinabukasan ng mga Batang Kankaloo (I repeat, I will never regret that our biggest investment is always for the education and future of Caloocan youth),” he added.