Malihaw, the old name for the sweet green city of the north—Victorias City. It is the home of the largest sugarmill and refinery in Southeast Asia and the center of agri-ecotourism in Northern Negros. Amidst the loud machinery, demanding society, and eventful everyday happenings, hope is still evident.

Mary Ann Tamis, a 29-year-old simple housewife with two kids in the humble Barangay VI in Victorias City, is among the few members of the Neighborhood Parent Support Group (NPSG) in year four of the ABC+ Project focusing on Parent and Community Engagement (PCE).

She has stepped into the new role as a ray of hope for her kids and her community in supporting the Early Grade Learners (EGL).

Before, Tamis used to work part-time as a “Kasambahay” maid to help her husband, who is a machine operator, with their daily needs and the needs of their two kids, who are still in grades one and three.

“When PCE was not yet here, I remembered that I was not active in involving myself in educating my kids. I am too lazy and have limited time to teach my kids. When they ask me about their lessons, that’s only the time that I respond to them,” she shared how she handled her kids before the PCE.

“When ABC+ Project and PCE came, I realized the importance of education in the early grade years, especially since my kids are still in grades one and three. It needs thorough and comprehensive guidance because this is the time when they build the foundation of their memory. I also discovered that things and learning take time. What you want for the kids takes a step-by-step process,” Tamis said.

She admited that at some point, she is selective with all the engagements PCE is giving her. But, as an NPSG member and elected treasurer, she finds ways to catch up and make time for her young kids. “Almost all of the activities and engagements I join are here in Victorias City since I am taking care of my kids.” “I also joined the Paghiliusa sa Kausa, an NPSG convergence in Talisay City, where it helped me become more motivated and inspired to help the project.”

“Because of the training from PCE in supporting the EGL, I was able to help my kids in their studies. I felt it was effective to see them improve in school and get a higher grade. Unlike before, my kids now already know how to read,” Tamis proudly shared how her two kids benefited from the project.

She, along with other NPSG members, have dedicated their time to teaching their kids and also strengthened their support for EGL through spearheading NPSG-led initiatives in our barangay. “We conducted storytelling activities in schools in order to strengthen their reading skills and abilities.

“When I become part of the NPSG, my fear of associating with parents and teachers disappears. It improves my confidence speaking in crowds,” Tamis realized after she was involved in various activities as an NPSG member.

Nonetheless, the best satisfaction Tamis received was seeing her kids improve and benefit from the help of the PCE.

She remembered, “When I was not involved in PCE, my grade one child still couldn’t read but is now a reader. I am happy because, at first, I was hesitant to join, but today I was totally thankful that I took part and joined. I believed it was destined for me, and now I can proudly say that it really helps not only me as a mother but also my kids and my community. Because of the training, I was able to teach my kids and the kids in our community to improve their reading skills.”

Tamis and other NPSG members were certain to rally support to continue and adopt the project in their community.

She said, “Even with limited partners, our plan as an NPSG in Barangay Six will still continue. We will help each other by exerting more efforts with the help of our barangay local government unit, who are with us to sustain the project.”

Now, they are planning to conduct another training of trainers in their neighboring barangays as they reflect their own shares of development and successes in joining the ABC+ PCE Project.

Tamis and her fellow NPSG members are set to take on a bigger role as hope, not just with their respective families but, of course, as the hope of their community. Indeed, there is new hope in the sweet green city of the north.*