Leondoni Elementary School is located in the mountainous outskirts of Ormoc, Leyte, the Philippines. Every day, students walk for hours along winding dirt roads just to get to school.

With no access to public transportation, walking remains their only option. For some, the round trip can take up to eight hours a day, leaving them physically exhausted and often unable to focus or even attend school regularly.

A recent study conducted at a national university in Morocco found that students with longer commutes are more likely to be late or absent, and tend to have lower academic performance. Clearly, the burden of distance can hinder students’ educational outcomes and future aspirations.

📌 Negative Impact of Long-Distance Commutes on Learning

To address this challenge, the Ormoc City Department of Education made a promise to sixth-grade students at the start of the last school year: “Maintain good attendance for one year, and you will be given a bicycle.”

With a bicycle, students can reduce their commute time from 3–7 hours on foot to just 1–3 hours. As junior high schools are also located far away, having a bicycle helps them continue their studies after graduation. Encouraged by the promise, students significantly improved their attendance rates.

📌 Attendance Rate of Grade 6 Students

As the end of the school year approached, the Department of Education sought support to fulfill their commitment, and came across the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation.

On April 23, a bicycle donation ceremony was held at Leondoni Elementary School. The event was attended by school teachers, students, representatives from the Ormoc City Police Office and Department of Education, officials from the Leondoni barangay office, and members of the WeLoveU Foundation.

WeLoveU supports children’s big dreams by providing audiovisual equipment Principal Jonathan Villacorte expressed his gratitude, saying, “We sincerely thank Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah for her generous donation. These bicycles will help our students commute more easily and attend school more consistently.”

Education Supervisor Uldarico N. Bojos Jr of District V added, “Among all my years in education, I have never experienced a day as touching and meaningful as this one.” He extended his heartfelt thanks to WeLoveU on behalf of the students.

Excitement filled the air as the students rode their new bicycles for the first time, their faces beaming with joy. WeLoveU members shared their hopes that the improved commute would inspire greater motivation in learning and help students take meaningful steps toward their dreams.

In recognition of their contribution to improving academic conditions for local youth, the Ormoc City Department of Education, the Leondoni barangay office, and Leondoni Elementary School presented certificates and plaques of appreciation to WeLoveU.

WeLoveU will continue to provide various educational support so that more children can pursue their studies consistently.