Kapamilya artists Young JV (left) and Miho Nishida (2nd from right) distribute gift packs at Tula-TulaFrom Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan, one has to travel for close to four hours on a mountainous and slippery path to reach Tula-Tula Elementary School in Brooke’s Point, Palawan.

The school is situated on top of a mountain. The students walk for an hour and a half, crossing rivers and passing by wild animals, to reach the school. Most of them own only one pencil, and even pad paper is scarce. One classroom accommodates three classes, with sawali dividing each class. Some students also sit on benches instead of armchairs.

Recently, “TVPatrol” and Bantay Kalikasan Palawan went to Tula-Tula to hold an outreach project. Among the activities were a medical and dental mission, gift giving, distribution of vegetable seeds, anti-rabies vaccinations, blood smearing for malaria and free haircuts.

The school received a television set, solar panel, books and chairs. Classrooms and chairs were repaired, while two new classrooms are being constructed.

The outreach activity was done in celebration of the 30th anniversary of “TV Patrol” and the 10th year of Bayan Mo iPatrol Mo. It aimed to help, serve and reach out to the indigenous communities of Pala’wan that do not receive basic services from the government due to their far-flung location.

One-hundred fifty-seven people from the community benefited from the activity.