GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Santo Nino College Foundation, Inc. (SNCFI) joined the “Patuloy na Edukasyon, Patuloy na Pag-Ahon: An Education Caravan for 4Ps Beneficiaries” under the PBBM-GABAY ng Bayan Program held at the Roadhaus Hotel in General Santos City at 2:00 p.m. on May 13, 2026, reinforcing its commitment to accessible and inclusive education for Filipino learners.

The education caravan gathered government agencies, education stakeholders, community leaders, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries to strengthen awareness of educational opportunities and support services available for disadvantaged learners. The initiative aimed to encourage students and families to pursue education through scholarships, technical-vocational programs, alternative learning systems, and financial assistance programs.

Representing SNCFI during the activity were Darrell S. Caballero, School President, and Dr. Jun Y. Badie, LPT, Academic Director. Their participation highlighted the institution’s continuing efforts to promote academic excellence, student empowerment, and community engagement through educational partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

During the caravan, participating institutions also interacted with key education officials, including Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari, DBA, CPA, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); Dr. Ian D. Evangelista, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Deputy Executive Director IV and Chief-of-Staff, Office of the CHED Chairperson; Atty. Septon A. De La Cruz, CESO III, Director IV/ Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Office of the Executive Director IV, UniFAST Secretariat; Dr. Rody P. Garcia, Director III/ Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Director IV, CHED Regional Office XII; and Dr. Nelia A. Alibin, Director IV, CHED Regional Office CARAGA and former Director IV, CHED Regional Office XII.

Representatives from partner agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), CHED, TESDA, and LANDBANK also presented educational assistance programs, skills training opportunities, and career development initiatives aimed at helping beneficiaries continue their education despite economic challenges.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the PBBM-GABAY ng Bayan Program, which promotes academic excellence, accessibility to opportunities, awareness of government services, and citizen empowerment toward nation-building. Organizers also introduced several flagship initiatives, including the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP), Patuloy na Edukasyon, Patuloy sa Pag-Ahon (PEPA), Kuwento ng Pag-Ahon (TESTimonials), and the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the caravan supported SDG 1: No Poverty by providing educational and livelihood opportunities for disadvantaged families; SDG 4: Quality Education through the promotion of accessible and inclusive learning opportunities; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by introducing skills training and career development initiatives; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the collaborative efforts of government agencies, educational institutions, and community stakeholders. Organizers said the initiative serves as a continuing effort to empower Filipino learners and communities through education, collaboration, and accessible opportunities.