MANILA, Philippines — Pupils and teachers of Mantagbac Elementary School (MES) in Daet, Camarines Norte were all smiles as they received a two-story, four-classroom school building from SM Prime, through SM Foundation (SMFI), last Jan. 31.
The spaces in the building were further maximized by integrating a clinic and guidance office as well as an area for literacy and numeracy corner. These are on top of the regular features and equipment of an SM school building – student armchairs (some of which are designed for left-handed students), teacher’s tables and chairs, wall fans, wall clocks, washrooms and panoramic concave blackboards in each classroom.
The SMFI put up a handwashing facility to promote proper handwashing among students and school personnel. This strategy intends to educate learners regarding the importance of proper hygiene in combating viruses and other diseases.
SMFI also installed an overhead water tank to ensure that the school will have an adequate source of water.
Since 2002, SM Foundation has been an active partner of the Department of Education (DepEd) for its Adopt-a-School Program.
Present during the turnover were SM Prime regional operations manager Marlo Niko Alvarez and SAVP-South regions John Jason Terrenal; DepEd assistant schools division superintendent Maria Flora Pandes; MES principal Eden Bugagao; Daet Vice Mayor Rosa Mia King and municipal city administrator Kristine de Luna; SMFI executive director Linda Atayde; and other representatives from SM, DepEd and the local government unit.