A far-flung public high school and a flood-prone public elementary school in Mindanao are among the recipients of Aboitiz Power Corporation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects this year, through its subsidiary Cotabato Light and Power Company (CLPC).
CLPC, in partnership with AboitizPower and Aboitiz Foundation Inc., (Aboitiz Foundation), allotted about P1.5 million for CSR projects on education this year. The projects were presented on June 7, 2017, during the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Education Region 12- SDS, recipient schools’ heads, and CLPC in Cotabato City.
One of the beneficiaries this year is the Datu Usngan S. Mastura National High School, which will receive 200 brand new armchairs. Datu Usngan S. Mastura National High School is located in Pinaring, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao, which is about 14 kilometers away from Cotabato City.
CLPC will also turn over soon a newly-refurbished reading and peace hub to the Pagalamatan Elementary School in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. Apart from the reading and peace hub, CLPC will also allot funds to pour concrete on the floorings of Pagalamatan Elementary School and elevate the school buildings there as the school gets flooded whenever the nearby Tamontaka river overflows.
Other projects outlined this year include Educational Assistance Programs to poor but deserving students within the region, Brigada Eskwela Projects, Electrical Laboratory donation, and the first BEST CAP (Barangay Electrician Skills Training and Capability Anti-Pilferage Project).
The project recipients include Notre Dame Village National High School,Pagalamatan Elementary School, Datu Usngan S. Mastura National High School,and Poblacion 7 Tukanes.
The biggest chunk of the budget, amounting to almost Php 750,000, is alloted to Notre Dame Village National High School for the Project E-Lab. This Electrical Laboratory donation is in support of the TechVoc School, which will enable students to learn the fundamentals of Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM). The projects aims to produce competent accredited electricians after gaining TESDA’s NC2.
Currently, 35 students are enrolled in CLPC’s scholarship program which will continue until they graduate Senior High School. Apart from free tuition, each scholar will also receive stipend ranging from Php 4,000 to Php 7,000 depending on their current grade level.
“I am thankful we have organizations like Cotabato Light & Power Company and Aboitiz Foundation that looks after the welfare of the students. Spending this much on education will enable us to build a better foundation for the future leaders,” said Dr. Concepcion F. Balawag, Al Hadja, DepEd’s XII School’s Division Superintendent (SDS).
Ms. Anna Lea Lee L. Nataño, CLPC Human Resource/RD head, said that the CSR projects are one of the ways that the company gives back to the community. “We are happy that we have become an instrument in giving a better future for the children in our communities,” she said.
Cotabato Light’s CSR Team’s first project for the year was the Brigada Eskwela last May 20, 2017 in Mandanas Elementary School.
