Aboitiz gives P24.9 M for public school classrooms

MANILA, Philippines -The Aboitiz Foundation has donated P24.9 million worth of classrooms to public kindergarten schools as of part of the company’s efforts to improve the country’s basic education system.

Aboitiz Foundation president Jon Ramon Aboitiz turned over yesterday the first 20 kindergarten schools to the Aklat, Gabay at Aruga Tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa Foundation (AGAPP) represented by its chairperson Presidential sister Pinky Aquino-Abellada.

“If they are properly educated that is a good return on investment,” Aboitiz said during the foundation’s 25th year celebration at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in Taguig City. Education Secretary Armin Luistro and school beneficiaries attended yesterday’s event.

Founded in 2010, AGAPP is a non-profit organization engaged in the pre-school construction in depressed and disadvantaged areas designated by the DepEd.

The Aboitiz Foundation plans to build 40 classrooms this year, according to Aboitiz.

He said they aim to build special classrooms for young children entering school for the first time.

The Aboitiz Foundation turned over 52 classrooms to AGAPP in 2011 and 42 more in 2012, amounting to P23 million and P23.6 million, respectively.

Aboitiz said education remains its biggest thrust among its focus areas.

Abellada said AGAPP receives donations from private companies, including Aboitiz. She said the organization intends to build 1,000 kindergarten classrooms by 2016.

“We have built 601 classrooms in three years, 22 percent of which were built by Aboitiz,” she said, adding that AGAPP schools benefited 30, 000 kids nationwide.

“Whoever will succeed my brother (President Aquino) I will recommend this project. I will sell the idea because it is really fulfilling,” Abellada said.