LBC, Philam and World Vision donate classrooms in Batangas

In an effort to support the Department of Education’s move to address challenges in meeting the demand for classrooms, LBC Foundation and Philam Foundation through World Vision donated two new classrooms to a school in Batangas.

Elementary students were surprised to see the two new classrooms built on a lot where an old classroom building once stood. The classrooms in red and off-white color have new ceiling fans, blackboards, plastic armchairs, teacher’s table, and small comfort rooms with boy and girl urinal and hand washing basin.

Students Kimberly, Princess and Reynan are excited to use their new classroom that donors LBC Foundation, Philam Foundation, and World Vision donated to support the government’s effort on better and quality education.

Reynan, 10, a Grade 5 class officer, inspected the new rooms. His eyes widened seeing the newly built comfort rooms. He called his classmates, Kimberly and Princess, and innocently exclaimed, “May flush ang CR! (The toilet has flush!)” He later said that in their old classrooms, they would carry or use pails of water. (May CR din yung old classrooms nila? Or nagdadala sila ng tubig para sa CR nila.)

And the roofs leaked,” added Kimberly, 11, President of Supreme Pupil Government.

 

Philam Paaralan Program

More than 27 million students from elementary to Grade 12 flocked several schools in the country last June 4, the official date for the opening of classes. With this number of students, public schools face the problem of classroom shortage. To address the perennial problem of schools on lack of learning facilities, the Philippine government signed into law the Adopt-a-School Program in 1998 that allows private entities to be partners in modernizing and upgrading elementary and high schools with the large student population and are in need of assistance.

 

To support the Philippine government’s efforts to enhance the quality of education in the country, the Philam Foundation launched the Philam Paaralan Program which aims to empower more Filipino youth through education by building fully-furnished schools with restrooms in calamity-stricken, un-served and under-served areas around the country.  The program has built around 140 classrooms in more than 50 municipalities and served 5,000 students annually.

 

The classroom blessing

Jun Godornes, World Vision Resource Development Director, explained that the classroom project is a dream come true. “LBC, Philam, and World Vision saw the pressing concern to provide students with a conducive learning condition, so we decided to have this project. We’ve discussed this two or three years ago. This had been our dream. Now that it came true, we are as happy as you are,” Godornes said addressing the students and teachers during the turnover ceremony held recently.

The unveiling of the classroom markers by the donors, community and school representatives.

With the newly built classrooms, students like Kimberly, Princess, and Reynan will have better learning facilities that will also benefit more students for many years.  “We’re excited to move in!” Princess, 11, a Grade 5 student, said. Princess’ class will use one of the said classrooms.

LBC Foundation Executive Director Nena Wuthrich and Philam Foundation President Max Ventura both reminded the students the importance of education.

Ventura told the student about two children born in a poor community but was able to graduate with high honors despite their life situation. “Do not let poverty stop you from achieving your dream,” Ventura said to the students, who later promised him that all of them will try to graduate with honors at the end of the year, just like the children in his story.

Turn-over of the classroom to the school. (L-R) Max Ventura, Philam Foundation President; Anselma dela Rosa, school principal; Ginalyn Macaraig, District Supervisor; Jun Godornes,World Vision Resource Development Director; Dionisio Endozo, former Brgy Kapitan; Kimberly, Student Council President; Nena Wuthrich, LBC Foundation Executive Director; Monica Araneta, LBC Foundation President; Dr. Carlito Rocafort, Schools Division Superintendent

 

Wuthrich expressed her hope that the new classroom will remind the students to fulfill their ambition. “We hope that you pursue and fulfill your dreams someday.

The teachers and students gave their gratitude to LBC Foundation, Philam Foundation and World Vision for helping their school. “The Department of Education cannot solve all the problems in education. We welcome assistance from various organizations such as yours in providing schools like here in Batangas with new classrooms. You helped us a lot.” Dr. Carlito Rocafort, Schools Division Superintendent in Batangas, said.

Community members perform a native dance to show their gratitude to the donors.

Mrs. Gemma Magsino, Parents and Teachers Association President, promised that the parents, teachers, and students will take care of the new school building.

On behalf of the students, we promised to make these classrooms neat always. Thank you for the blessing!” Kimberly closed.

 

World Vision/July 23, 2018



 

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

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