PLDT, PBSP build classrooms for Northern Samar schools

Used batteries can build classrooms, and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) proved this when it recently turned over classrooms to schools in Northern Samar.

The classrooms were built through funds PLDT raised from the donation of used lead acid batteries (ULABs).

PLDT generated P3.4 million from the sale of ULABs to Motolite, and used the proceeds for the construction of four classrooms in Bangkerohan Elementary School and Nenita Central School.

The initiative is under the Balik-Baterya program of Motolite and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) that helps PBSP-member companies recycle their used batteries. The funds raised from the donated ULABs are then used for various school projects.

“We, in the private sector, recognize the role of our children and youth in shaping the future of our country and our planet, hence we help our government reach its goal of providing better education by building classrooms for public schools,” PLDT Community Relations senior manager Evelyn del Rosario said during the turnover.

Northern Samar Gov. Paul Daza urged the pupils and teachers to make good use of their new classrooms.

Early X’mas present

Steven Elad Francisco, a grade 6 pupil of Bangkerohan Elementary School, said the new classrooms are the best early Christmas presents they ever received.

Francisco said their classroom is the most affected everytime a storm brings flooding because the water level reaches up above their knees, preventing them from proceeding with their classes.

In Nenita Central School, teachers had to hold 21 classes in 17 classrooms.

“We are so grateful to have these additional classrooms that will help us reach our vision of quality education,” Nenita Central School principal Brenda Villadolid said.

The four classrooms donated to Northern Samar will be used by 383 first and second graders of Bangkerohan Elementary School and 139 grade three pupils of Nenita Central School.

Each classroom is equipped with arm chairs, teacher’s tables and a comfort room. Aside from the classroom, the project also includes a training component to help build the capacities of the parents and teachers’ associations.

“May your new classrooms encourage you to study harder,” del Rosario told the pupils.

“If we really wanted to help our people, especially those in the impoverished areas, the best way is through education. By giving them education, we uplift their lives,” Gov. Daza said.

Always on top

Launched in 2006, the Balik-Baterya Program aims to protect the environment through the proper disposal and recycling of ULABs.

PLDT joined the program in 2008 and has then become its top donor with the company’s donations comprising 77 percent of the program’s total ULAB contributions. Through its donations, the company has already provided 22 mini-libraries and two computer laboratories to various schools in the Visayas.

“The classrooms that we are turning over today may be quite few if we look at the thousands of classrooms that need to be constructed for our public schools. However, this is already a big step here in your community and we in PBSP express our gratitude to PLDT for your continuing partnership with PBSP in your corporate social responsibility initiatives,” PBSP Visayas Regional Center Director Jessie Cubijano said.