Korean firm starts free feeding plan

CEBU, Philippines - At least 190 children enrolled in Colon Elementary School in the City of Naga were picked as beneficiaries of the daily feeding program initiated by EWP Cebu Corp.

EWP Cebu started the feeding at 8 a.m. yesterday before the classes started.

Bread was distributed to the schoolchildren, and Chenny Rossfe R. Albero, EWP Cebu's assistant manager -admin said the program will continue until "we see improvements in these students."

Albero said bread was decided to be given in the morning on account of teachers' comments that children who report to class on empty stomachs fair badly in academics.

"We believe that through this simple program we can make students who skip breakfast pay attention in class," Albero said.

EWP Cebu picked Colon Elementary School being Kepco Salcon Power Corp's neighbor. EWP, a Korean company, operates and maintains KSPC.

Albero said EWP knows that having breakfast is important during the formative stage.

"Who knows some of them may become engineers, and may become a part of EWP," Albero said.           

Beneficiaries, which are from kindergarten to Grade 6, were handpicked by teachers based on their physical health and family's financial situation.

She said EWP Cebu is also thinking of "adopting" some of these students when they go to high school or college, to ensure they will have a bright future.

Albero, who is a graduate of Colon Elementary School, said she personally knows the struggles of most children of her Alma Mater.

Meanwhile, EWP has also started construction of a sports facility, a quadrangle, which now becomes a venue for basketball, volleyball, and other sports activities.

Sports equipment will also be distributed by EWP "in the future," Albero said.

"We also believe that by setting up a sports facility we can help students improve themselves physically," Albero said. - THE FREEMAN