Aboitiz to build 40 classrooms in 2014

CEBU, Philippines - The Aboitiz Group, through its corporate social development arm, Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. has committed to construct forty more ‘Silid Pangarap’ classrooms next year as part of its efforts to address the need for more public classrooms in the country.

In partnership with the Aklat, Gabay, Aruga Tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGAPP), a non-profit organization advocating literacy, and the group’s various business units, the foundation saw 40 kindergarten classrooms constructed and turned over in 2013.

For three years now, the foundation has turned over a total of 134 classrooms, which benefitted more than 14,000 children to date. Forty-two of these classrooms are in Luzon, 36 in Visayas, and 56 in Mindanao.

Aboitiz Foundation Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sonny Carpio said the foundation spent approximately Php26 million this year to complete its commitment.

“Education will still be our main thrust for next year and we will continue supporting initiatives that can help uplift our country’s education system,” he said. Aside from education, the foundation also focuses on enterprise development and environment and sustainability.

The foundation, which celebrates its 25th year in helping people help themselves, have been building schools, rewiring classrooms , refurbishing science and computer laboratories, providing scholarships and financial assistance, donating computers, and library kits, as part of its education initiatives.

Carpio reported that in 2013, the foundation allotted Php234 million or 79% of its total budget for education projects. (FREEMAN)