Proud Polonian Clarina , daughter of Dr. Felma Reloj Dela Cruz more about Dr. Felma , click here
POLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM
by Dr. Felma Reloj Dela Cruz
Sponsored by Polo people, based all over the world, who voluntarily & unselfishly offered some amount to fund this Feeding Program who will help improve the nutritional status of the pupils of Polo Elementary School in Polo, Banga, Aklan.
Coordinated by Engr. Gavino Reloj (USA) & Dr. Felma Reloj-Dela Cruz (Polo, Banga, Aklan)
Communications done thru Email on our newly created website: poloelemalumni@yahoo.com, with our coordinator Based in Kentucky, Dr. Noel Reloj.
For those who want to access this website, contact either the 3 mentioned people for you to be included in our website.
The Feeding Program is a supplementary food prepared 2x a week: milk, once a week & snack once a week. This is worth P5, 000.00 a month for 208 pupils: Day Care=20; Kinder= 20; Grade 1-6=168.
This feeding program was started last August 2007 up to the present. I took pictures of our first feeding & was sent thru email to everyone in our website to view how we accomplished this program, thus they were inspired to help. One of our pictures was even printed in local newspaper “Birada” thru the courtesy of Boy Ryan Zabal.
According to my list of prospective sponsors each sponsor will rotate once in 3 school years.
Another project suggested by us is to give incentives like monetary awards to honor pupils, to further inspire them in their studies. We have listed also their pledges to these monetary awards.
Monthly Sponsors:
1. August 2007 : Engr. Gavino & Arlene Reloj of New York, USA
2. September 2007: Mr. & Mrs. Franklin & Nida Zabal of California, USA
3. October 2007 : Dr. Noel & Arllete Reloj of
4. November 2007 : Mr. & Mrs Andy & Lorna( Zabal) Doman of
5. December 2007 : Mr & Mrs Romeo & Lydia Zabal of
6. January 2008 : Mr & Mrs Tito & Reza (Reloj) of
7. Febuary 2008 : Mr & Mrs Allan & Norma (Navarro) Andes of
8. March 2008 : Mr & Mrs Emy Rollo of England
Sponsors for school year. 2007-2008
- June 2008: Mr & Mrs Tyrone Zabal of Ireland- ok
- July 2008 : Mr. Dante Zabal of Califfornia , USA – ok
- August 2008: Mr & Mrs Marcelino Jr.& Teresa Zabal of Washington DC,USA-ok
- September 2008: Children of Mr & Mrs Marcelino Jr Zabal Joshua, Jeremiah, Jessie & Joannah.-ok
- October 2008: Divina Zaguita of Toronto, Canada
- November 2008: Miss Criselda Yecla of Toronto, Canada
- December 2008 : Bobby Bunyog of Vancouver , Canada
- January 2009: the late Hilario Yecla’s children in the Middle East
- Febuary 2009: Jamie Reloj-Fabros of
- March 2009---- Frank Zabal….his second psonsorship
No schedule yet:
- Mr. & Mrs. Edmundo & Jezebel (Reloj) Ramos of Australia
- Mr. & Mrs. Oscar & Agnes ( Yecla ) Barnuevo of Austria
- Mr. & Mrs. Anita Rogero- of Germany
- Mr. & Mrs. Shirley Rogero- of Germany
- Miss Vivian Yecla of Germany
- Mr. & Mrs. Allan & Mafel (Reloj) of Saudi Arabia
- Miss Gisella Yecla- Urian of Saudi Arabia
- Agnes & Carlyn Andrada, Saudi Arabia
- Imelda & Baby Yecla, Middle East
- Mrs. Gloria Yeban –
- Miss Veronica & Martha Merano
- Mrs. Baby Gie Navarro - Moriente UK
- Mrs. Mitzee Navarro Moriente , Ca, USA
- Mrs. Nema Ig Ig- Ca, USA,
- Mr. Rudy Ig Ig – Ca, USA
- Mrs. Nelfa Ig Ig, Ca USA
- Mr. & Mrs. Boy Ig Ig, Ca, USA
- Mr. & Mrs. Louie & Derly (Reloj) Torres of
- Mrs. Haydee Yeban- of Ca , USA
- Mrs. Rosemarie Yecla - of Ca, USA
- Mr. & Mrs. Fanny (Bantigue) Randoy of Cavite
- Mrs. Linda Zomil- Rustico of Bulacan
- Mr. & Mrs. Maurito & Virginia Casiano
- Mely Ninonuevo, Manila
- Please inform me for other probable voluntary donors
March 29, 2008: Cash gifts were awarded to the honor pupils as an incentive for the pupils to make good in their studies & to help them somehow in their financial needs. These cash gifts were solicited from all over the world which amounted to P35, 000. Donors gave $ 175.00 from US to as low as P 250.00 from a store helper in Manila)
June 14, 2008: Updates of the Feeding Program
We started last week with feeding the 210 pupils, sponsored by Tyrone Zabal, son of Tay Edgar a nurse based in Ireland. I increased our budget from P5, 00 to P7, 000 a month due to some increase of the prices of foodstuffs. If ever there is a surplus of the monthly budget, I will buy school supplies to pupils who go to school with an empty stomach & empty bag (papers & pencils).
Another Project being proposed is to establish a Library. So anyone can help whether: financial or book donation. Old books are accepted, especially dictionaries & other needs in the proposed Library.
felma
July 20, 2008
The three (3) IgIg families of
Typhoon Frank did not did so much harm to the school. Classes were resumed 2 weeks after the typhoon. Some of the school supplies I bought were damaged inside my van which should be delivered that Sunday (3 days before the typhoon)
An NGO called Dios Mabalos offered to give a high protein feeding in Banga, Polo included for the next 6 months. Since the taste of the high protein feeding is not acceptable to the pupils, we decided to add some food stuffs to the daily feeding which I got from the 2x a week feeding aid fund.
I also gave my samples of vitamins to grade one pupils , so they would be physically well.
The Polo Elementary School had their Christmas Program last Dec 17, with the coronation of the Little Miss & Master Christmas. Dra. Luz and myself were invited to crown them .They earned some amount (P14 thou) which will be used by the school in their projects.
The following day, Dec 18, the school has their Christmas Party & they had sumptuous menu of 15 kg spaghetti, 7 layers of cake, and 10 kg of hot dog. I combined the food budget from the days that have no classes from October to December. Everyone was satisfied with the food that they did not contribute unlike the past Christmases.
April 2009:
I attended the Polo Elementary School Recognition Ceremonies to introduce Mrs. Shirley Yecla –Onayan who agreed to be an instant Inspirational Speaker. Sent some pictures taken during the program & Mrs. Herline Teodosio, the school principal, sent a lot of pictures taken during the Graduation ceremonies in the afternoon.
May 4, 2009
Frank Zabal, an alumna of our school went home as a balikbayan & donated to the school 2 boxes of school supplies thru Mrs. Teodosio.
May 15, 2009
I was able to email Mrs Gloria Yeban- Lloyd of Los Angeles,
Mr. Elbert Merano-Elmaga, a computer analyst based in Saudi Arabia pledged to me to sponsor the month of July of our Feeding Program.
Mrs. Haydee Yeban- pledged 2 months ago to sponsor the month of August.
Mrs Lorna Zabal- Doman offered to sponsor AGAIN (she sponsored the Nov. 2007)
For the month December, I volunteer my sister, Dr. Mafel Reloj-Versoza for the month of September (She will be arriving next week)
I need some more volunteers for the months of: October, November, January, February & March.
MAY 26, 2009
We have our traditional Barangay Night, which is a joint celebration of the Polo Alumni Asso & the Polo Barrio Council. It was exclusively attended by taga Polo only. It was a big success because the newly tiled Polo pavement was jam-packed with taga Polo. We danced through the night until past 1 am. Live music was provided by the well- known BORACAY REPUBLIK. The seats surrounding the pavement were occupied by the non dancers who entertained themselves by drinking & eating ng baon nila. Some just stood by the sides of the hall & others stayed outside looking at the dancing Polonians all over the pavement. The younger ones did not sit down (because there’s no vacant seat) and just danced non-stop for more then 5 hours. The older Polonians were also there to enjoy the frenzy of everybody especially if I have them drink my punch. I did my usual practice of mixing punch juice w/ Gilbys Gin & I roam around the venue offering to all women except the single ladies & the pregnant ones.
Some balikbayan Polonians present were: Franklin Zabal & daughter Charlene, Romy Zabal, all of
May 28, 2009
This is the “vesperas”, or the day before the Fiesta Day. A vesper mass was celebrated late in the afternoon.
There was a “binayle” too in the Polo pavement, but it is assisted only by a sound system
May 29, 2009:
This is the “Kaadlawan” which is highlighted by a mass in honor of NUESTRA SENORA BIRHEN DE LA PAZ Y BIEN VIAJE. The first mass is at 6-7am & the high mass is at 9-10 am followed by baptism of the newborns of Polo. After the mass the visitors visits all their relatives one after the other partaking the food that was prepared by the “tagbaeay”.
They have Parlor Games at the pavement.
At 4 pm the Flores de Mayo Novena was started followed by the procession of our Antipolo float with the several Sagalas. This is a Santacrusan procession wherein the reigning 2008 Reyna Elena , Aira Zabal walked with the 2009 Reyna Elena, Arrietta Gumban- Rogero, followed by Charlene Zabal, a Balikbayan & several Sagalas. We walked the whole stretched of Polo Street, from boundary to boundary lead by the image of Antipolo carried by the men of Polo who have their own “panata”. The women, young & old & the children, with candles in hand sung the “gosos” of the Flores de Mayo. The processions ended at the Polo Chapel were the Novena was resumed & after which the coronation of the Reyna Elena was done with me as the Coronation Speaker.
Our Balikbayan Sagala claimed she enjoyed the procession & was not tired in spite of the walking on the partly rugged road that’s 3 kilometer distance. But part of our road is already cemented, mga 200 meters at the “minoro” & same length also sa “ilawod” She was advised to wear a flat sandals under her elegant gown. The procession was blessed with a good weather, no rain to make our walking difficult.
The Fiesta was very successful, because of the good weather & no violence happened, unlike previous fiesta celebration before, wherein it was raining very hard & some form of violent incidents due to “mga hilong”.
Thanks GOD that it was a peaceful celebration. Hope that the succeeding years will be peaceful like this year’s celebration.
Sa mga taga Polo all over the world, you are invited to go home & visit your dear Polo & see how it has improved a lot with the cooperation of everybody even those outside of the country. Don’t forget to attend the Barangay Night which is usually celebrated 2-3 days before the Fiesta.
May 31, 2009: KATAPUSAN IT FLORES
This ends the 31 day novena of Flores De Mayo. This is a big celebration because many ang “naga torno” meaning bringing candles for the Novena Prayer & of the “gasto” in the form of snacks. This “Katapusan” there was a lot of food like ice cream, eangkoga, bread, saging, camote & candies. For my share, I did not bring food but instead, I texted the in charge to list the names of the sagalas, the regular adult novena participants. I distributed face towels, rosaries, handkerchiefs, hair ribbons, hair crowns & combs for the aged women. For it to be orderly, I have the ladies with long hair lined up & another line for those with short hair. Luz brought used school bags & back packs.
What a memorable “Katapusan it Flores” we have. Virgen Antipolo would be very happy looking at us enjoying the graces each & everyone is sharing.
SPONSORS OF FEEDING PROGRAM FROM JUNE 2009 MARCH 2010:
JUNE 2009…..Mrs. Gloria Yeban …..Of
July 2009…….Mr. Elbert Merano of Saudi Arabia
August 2009….Mrs. Linda Zomil of Manila
September 2009...Dr. Mafel Reloj-Versoza of Saidi Arabia
October 2009….Mr. & Mrs. Francis co Yecla & Family of Polo, Manila & USA
November 2009….Mr. & Mrs. Maurito Casiano & family of Manila
.December 2009….Mr. & Mrs. Andy & Lorna (Zabal) Doman of California, USA
January 2010……Client of Lorna ZAbal Doman in
February 2010……
March 2010....
POLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UPDATES
March 30,2010
10:00 am---51st CLOSING CEREMONIES
THEME:--- “Education: Changing Lives”
(Edukasyon Ang Solusyon)
GUEST SPEAKER: MRS. AGNES FORMARAN
A High School Classmate of Dr. Nonoy Reloj & Nay Sine Merano. She was all praise of the many professionals who graduated from our school and she admires the initiatives of the Alumni especially those based outside of the country, who are very cooperative in the improvement of the school.
THE GRADUATES: 14 males and 12 females
VALEDICTORIAN: Hazel Rollo Baltero
Daughter of Sgt Juan & Mrs Emelie Rollo BAltero
Apo Ni Tay Veven & Nay Inday Rollo
SALUTATORIAN: Mae Naplaza
Daughter of Mr & Mrs. Felipe Naplaza
3:00 pm----RECOGNITION & AWARDS DAY
GUEST SPEAKER: Mrs. Divina Yecla-Zaquita of Toronto, Canada
She related how she went through her Education from Kinalangay to Polo to Navitas for High School,
Until she finished her College in Manila, where she finished BS in Customs Administration.
She emphasized the value of education in our lives to attain success.
Yours Truly: Introduced the Guest speaker
Awarding of Medals to Grade I-IV Honor and Model Pupils
Awarding of Certificate of Appreciation to:
* Mrs. Divina Yecla-Zaquita
* PTA Officers
* Supporters of Polo Elem. School; ( that includes all of you out there) &
* Cathechists of the school.
Each Grade presented their respective Intermission numbers.
Letter from Dr. Felma Relo Dela Cruz.
To All Mga Taga Polo,
It has been 3 years ago, August 2007 that we started the
Polo Elementary School feeding Program to alleviate the nutrition
status of its pupils.
This program was initiated by the Reloj-Zabal family of the USA which was later supported by other taga Polo in other states of USA, Canada & Middle East. Other successful taga Polo from Metro Manila were also generous in supporting the Feeding Program. Other school activities like Girl Scout Camping in Polo were also financially supported by all of you, kind hearted taga Polo. They even gave Monetary Award to the Honor Pupils in 2008.
So far, taga Polo who can be contacted by me via email were able to sponsor while others had sponsored for the second time already.
Naisip ko rin to stop this Feeding project but naawa naman ako sa mga pupils who look forward to a twice a week snack. That's why I continued to spend for the months of January, February, March, June & July even there was no one to sponsor for these months.
Kawawa ang taga Polo, especially the kids kasi they were not able to plant rice since May because of the long drought. More so, that we should pity the pupils whom most of them will go to school with empty stomach.
I am knocking in your kind hearted & generous heart nga taga Polo to help in this laudable project.
Please share your blessings to our pupils even once in three years. It will be returned to you a hundred fold.
Senora Virgin De LA Paz Y Bien Viaje, our Patron Saint will surely be happy if you hear this call.
Thank You & God Bless Us All!! !
felma