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

Fatigue

Physical exhaustion from long travel reduces concentration in class.

Sleep Duration

Early departures and late returns result in insufficient sleep.

Emotional Stability

Commuting stress lowers motivation and willingness to study.

Attendance

Increased tardiness and absences lead to poor learning continuity.

After-School Activities

Limited time restricts participation in arts, sports, and other programs.

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
2023-2024 80%
2024-2025 98%

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.