GBF-AGAPP education partnership molds young minds

MANILA, Philippines - The Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) recently turned over eight additional classrooms in four sites, as part of the Silid Pangarap program of Aklat, Gabay, Aruga tungo sa Pag-Angat at Pag-Asa (AGAPP). Beginning October 2011, 18 preschool classrooms in nine sites have already been turned over to preschool beneficiaries — the most recent of which are in: Cabu Elementary School in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; Macabalan Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro; Puerto Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro; and Tagumpay Elementary School in Palawan. Ten classrooms in five sites are already winding down construction and will be turned over soon.

GBF’s assistance does not only cover the building of classrooms but also encompasses the training of preschool teachers, and providing them the necessary teaching tools to help their pupils be more competitive.

“We are so glad to have gone this far, especially with the help of GBF,” said Pinky Aquino Abellada, AGAPP chairperson. “We hope to help more Filipino families give their children a chance to have a brighter future.” “We got involved in AGAPP’s Silid Pangarap project because of its noble cause — helping students have a shot at a better life through education. We are very thankful for the chance to be part of this endeavor of helping build futures, one classroom at a time,” said Lance Gokongwei, JG Summit Holdings Inc. president and COO, and GBF treasurer.

The Gokongwei Brothers Foundation was established in 1992 with the purpose of improving the socio-economic condition of Filipinos through educational programs. Apart from the partnership with AGAPP, the Foundation’s other endeavors include the GBF Technical Training Center and GBF Scholarship for Excellence.