ZAMBOANGA City, Philippines - Poor and underprivileged students in a secluded village in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte can now actually use computers.
The Maple Tree Foundation (MTF) and the TVI Resource Development Inc. (TVIRD) joined efforts in installing computers at the Imam Nasaron Haron Elementary School in Barangay Busicong.
The area is a known territory of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which signed a peace accord with the government in 1996.
The MTF and TVIRD have also finally connected the school to the local power grid and purchased computers and printer for its computer literacy program.
“Providing the INH Elementary School with electricity and computer literacy programs is an exciting addition to the students’ education,†Diane James, Vice Chairman of MTF, said.
James said the program, aside from benefiting the students of the INH, will also bring positive impact to the community.
Last year, the MTF in partnership with the Petron Foundation, TVIRD, Habitat for Humanity, and the Department of Education, completed MTF’s “Build A School Program†for Busicong.
The program has provided the community with two new school buildings in school grounds and the Department Of Education (DepEd) has completed its first year of primary education in Busicong.
The DepEd welcomed the addition of electricity and computers that will advance the learning capacity of the students in the area.
“Our partnership with the responsible mining company TVIRD and DepEd has made a significant positive impact on this community,†James said citing that they are all working towards the goal of finding peace through responsible sustainable resource development.