Pupils of San Rafael Elementary School are now happier with their newly rehabilitated comfort rooms. Thanks to Aboitiz Foundation, pupils of one of Tacurong’s most distant barangays can now enjoy a more sanitary abode. Aboitiz Foundation representatives Theodore U. Bisnar and Kenneth Manzano graced the turn-over ceremonies on November 7, 2012.
The Rehabilitation of School Infrastructure project is one of Aboitiz’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies that prioritize the needs of ‘depressed’ and distant communities. Aboitiz Power through the Aboitiz Foundation had closely worked with the Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative (SUKELCO), DepEd-Tacurong, and the local government unit for the project to materialize.
DepED Tacurong is convinced that the project will not only benefit the students but the community as well. “In DepEd, we advocate for transformation not only in schools but in the whole community. That is why we tap external stakeholders who are also concerned with the improvement of school infrastructure and services,” said Mr. Jesus de Gracia of DepEd.
Mayor Lina O. Montilla also agreed that the project is a ‘useful and sensible gift’. “Of course we thank Aboitiz not only for this project in San Rafael but also to the recently installed weather station that they donated to the city,” Mayor Montilla said. The weather station worth $2500 allows Tacurong to send weather data to PAG-ASA’s Project NOAH (www.noah.dost.gov.ph).
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| San Rafael Elementary School Principal Melani delos Santos thanks Aboitiz Foundation, SUKELCO, and LGU-Tacurong. |
In the end, Principal Melanie delos Santos assured the project stakeholders that the school will maintain the cleanliness of the comfort rooms. She looks forward to more partnerships not only with Aboitiz but with other organizations as well.
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| Stakeholders pose in front of the newly rehabilitated comfort rooms. |
Jezereel Louise C. Billano