Bacolod city: The city government is distributing free school supplies to 65,019 elementary pupils in over 40 schools under the Department of Education-Division of Bacolod City for the 2025-2026 school year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the first batch of recipients on Thursday were learners from six schools under District 1. They received their school kits during turnover activities led by Mayor Greg Gasataya and Councilor Al Victor Espino. Each kit contains 10 notebooks, four rolls of writing pad paper, one box of black ballpens, two red ballpens, and two No. 2 pencils, all placed inside a zippered plastic envelope with a handle.

Mayor Gasataya emphasized the city's commitment to education, stating, "Education remains our priority and we will continue to do our best to support our students and our schools." He also mentioned their commitment to distribute the school kits before the opening of classes in the next school year.

At the Andres Bonifacio Elementary School I, supplies were provided to 1,206 pupils; 1,543 pupils at Andres Bonifacio Elementary School II; 1,789 pupils at Banago Elementary School I; 1,016 pupils at Banago Elementary School II; 1,366 pupils at Mandalagan Elementary School; and 652 pupils at Abkasa Elementary School. Secretary to the Mayor Marty Go stated that the distribution of supplies to the remaining schools will continue on Monday, covering elementary schools under Districts 2 to 7.

The city government has allocated PHP32 million for this year's education materials distribution program. Councilor Espino, chair of the City Council committee on education, noted that changes in the procurement law delayed the purchase this year but assured that the distribution would be timely next school year. City Ordinance No. 09-16-787 mandates providing free educational materials, including school supplies, a school bag, and a physical education uniform, to all public elementary school pupils in Bacolod.