Photo from Angat Buhay – Media
Former vice president Leni Robredo led in the turnover of two school buildings, a school dormitory for girls, and in the recognition ceremony of more than 500 Grade-1 pupils in the Bicol region.
Robredo, chairperson of Angat Buhay Foundation, was joined by Angat Buhay Foundation executive director Raffy Magno, partners from AGAPP Foundation and Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, in turning over newly built school buildings to replace the old classrooms that were used by almost 150 students of Siba-o Elementary School in Calabanga, Camarines Sur.
Angat Buhay also turned over a school dormitory in Tulay na Lupa National High School in Labo, Camarines Norte to accommodate 15 female students who used to walk 12 hours just to get to school.
The construction of the dormitory was finished in seven months with the help of LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation, Sibol Camarines Norte, JCI Labo Niogan, Masflex Kitchenware, the local parents-teachers association (PTA), and the Tahilan Residence and Student Center.
“Our call is bayanihan in times of crisis. These small steps to bridge the wide gap in our learning situation will eventually lead to even bigger strides when more partners, volunteers, and communities come together and give millions of Filipino school children a better chance in life,” said Magno.
Robredo and Magno also attended the recognition ceremony of 502 Grade-1 pupils of different public schools in Naga City, Camarines Sur, who form the second batch of beneficiaries under the literacy program for non-readers, “Bayan Ko, Titser Ko” program.
The project is supported by the Assisi Development Foundation, the City Government of Naga, the UP Alumni Association – Camarines Sur Chapter, and other civic and academic institutions in Naga City.
In a statement, the Angat Buhay Foundation said it will continue to undertake efforts “to alleviate the learning crisis in the country with the help of partner organizations and other volunteer groups that pool and harness resources for the construction of more school buildings and dormitories, as well as for the establishment of Community Learning Hubs (CLHs) not only in the Bicol region but in other parts of the country as well.” Shianna Geraldine Manuel