Since 2018, teacher Aldrin Paguiringan from Solsona, Ilocos Norte has been offering free ukulele lessons to students during lunch breaks, fostering a love for music among young learners.
Paguiringan uses his own musical instruments for this initiative, which he calls Project RIMAT (Reflective and Inclusive Music Activities with Technology).
"Naikagawian ko talaga na magdala ng sarili kong musical instruments sa paaralan," Paguiringan said.
"And then tuwing lunch break, parang it's a form of relaxation para sa akin, yung tumugtog ako ng ukulele or ng guitar o kahit anong instrumento na dinadala ko, hanggang sa may batang lumapit sa akin na interesado silang matuto kung puwede ko raw turuan sila ng pagtugtog ng ukulele," he added.
Priscilla Emerald Eliad, one of his students, shared her gratitude.
"Dati gustong-gusto ko mag-ukulele pero wala kaming pambili kaya nagpapasalamat ako kay Sir, pinahiram ako," she said.
Paguiringan is pleased with the rapid progress of his students and the positive feedback from their parents.
Some of his earliest students have even joined the music ministry at their church.
"Masaya ako at marami naman ang nagkakainteres sa kanila at ngayon ay marunong silang tumugtog ng iba't ibang musical instrument lalo na ang ukulele," Paguiringan said.
Through Project RIMAT, Paguiringan aims to hone the musical talents of his students and make music education accessible to all.