Aussie firm leads adopt-a-school project in Nueva Vizcaya village

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines  - Royalco Philippines, an Australian-owned minerals exploration firm, launched its adopt-a-school project for public elementary schools in the eastern part of Kasibu town here.

According to Joey Ayson, Royalco country manager, the project, which involved providing instructional materials, has initially benefited indigent pupils from indigenous peoples in remote public schools in dire need of educational and health support.

Through Royalco’s initial adopt-a-school project, more than 200 pupils had been given individual Department of Education-approved books as well as teaching-related materials, which center on developing reading comprehension for elementary grades.

Among the recipient schools were those in far-flung Barangays Siguem, Paquet and Pao, all located in the eastern areas of Kasibu town.

“Actually, we have been coordinating with Education officials for additional beneficiaries or expanded educational aid for those schoolchildren who have been deprived of an ideal educational environment,” Ayson said.

More development projects, he said, are being eyed for Barangay Yabbi, Dupax del Norte town here, the proposed site for Royalco’s exploration project, as well as in adjacent villages of Binwangan, Macabenga, Belance, Oyao and Bitnong.

The proposed exploration site in Yabbi is part of Royalco’s applied 16,000-hectare exploration area, which also covers parts of Muta, Kasibu and Nagtipunan town in Quirino province.

“We are offering our partner communities development projects, including road maintenance and repair, not only as part of our social commitment but also to help develop their area,” said Gemma Talapi-Segundo, Royalco’s community development officer. – Charlie Lagasca