MANILA, Philippines - GE Volunteers Philippines, together with its partner, Obando Central School – the first and only school in the whole town of Obando, Bulacan founded in 1908 — proudly inaugurated what is now known as the “GE Building-Industrial Arts“. It took approximately 6,000 man-hours to rehabilitate this 112-square meter school building.
The “GE Building-Industrial Arts,” a major volunteer initiative under the company’s “Adopt-A-School Project,” is expected to be operational soon.
Conceptualized and spearheaded by GE Volunteers director Eve Obien, the rehabilitation of what is now the GE Building-Industrial Arts is aimed at promoting the development of industrial arts skills, especially to students who may not have the opportunity to pursue a college education.
During the last several months, GE Volunteers shared their time and energy in painting the building’s ceilings and walls, installed glass windows and assisted in landscaping, among other tasks to help in the project’s completion. Needed materials were also procured through the generosity of GE businesses, while additional funding was sourced from the Share-the-Gold Grant of the American Chamber of Commerce. As Bulacan is a flood-prone area, the “GE Building-Industrial Arts” rehabilitation project paves the way for a safer, flood-free classroom that can accommodate more classes and students.
The inauguration and ribbon-cutting ceremony held recently was officiated by the Obando Central School faculty headed by its School Principal Angelita Baltazar, and graced by Fred Contreras, Municipal Administrator who represented Mayor Orencio Gabriel, as guest of honor. John Alcordo, GE Market Development Director, spoke on behalf of Colin Low, GE President for Philippines, Singapore and Cambodia. GE business leaders and other GE volunteers were also in attendance. The students and faculty members rendered special production numbers much to the delight of the guests.
“The spirit of GE volunteerism continues to be felt in many communities throughout the world,” says Low in a statement he shared from his office in Singapore. “Today, are more than 140 GE Volunteer Councils located in 36 countries. We are deeply touched and inspired by dedicated GE employees who are always willing to help make a difference in other people’s lives.”
“The Obando project was meant to create a positive impact in the area of education,” says Obien. “We continue to drive the spirit of volunteerism in GE as we pursue other noteworthy undertakings in other important areas such as environment and community development.”