The local government of Parañaque provided around 102,000 public elementary students with two sets of free school uniforms and a pair of shoes ahead of the opening of classes in June.
Mayor Edwin Olivarez with Councilor Pablo “Pao” Olivarez II and the student beneficiaries (Photo from Paranaque PIO)
The distribution program began on May 15 at Parañaque Elementary School (PES) Central and Sun Valley Elementary School, where students from kindergarten to grade 6 were the first to receive the items.
Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez led the event, together with Congressman Eric Olivarez, Parañaque Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Loreta B. Torrecampo, CESO V, and school principals Dr. Genie-Ann T. Santos of PES Central and Dr. Virginia V. Ramos of Sun Valley Elementary School.
The distribution of free school uniforms and shoes is pursuant to City Ordinance No. 29, Series of 2025, authored by Councilor Pablo "Pao" Olivarez II and approved by the City Council to ensure that no child is left behind.
The mayor said the program aims to help every child attend school feeling confident, prepared, and proud.
Teachers and parents welcomed the initiative, noting that proper school attire boosts students’ self-esteem while encouraging regular attendance and active participation in class.
The mayor added that the free uniforms and shoes significantly reduce parents’ back-to-school expenses, allowing families to allocate more of their budget to food, transportation, and school supplies.
Beyond the financial assistance, Olivarez emphasized the importance of promoting equality and pride among young learners through the program.