NGOs turn over day care centers

TWO non-government organizations turned over on Wednesday a total of 26 daycare centers to local school officials in support of public school reforms implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Aboitiz Foundation president Jon Ramon Aboitiz and Pinky Aquino-Abellada, presidential sister and chairperson of the Aklat, Gabay, Aruga tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGAPP) Foundation led stakeholders in a turnover ceremony at the Casino Español in Cebu City.

DepEd-7 Regional Director Recaredo Borgonia and principals of the beneficiary schools were also present at the event.

Aside from the ceremony at the Casino Español, Aboitiz and Aquino will also turn over facilities to Gabi Elementary School in Cordova town and Mabolo Elementary School in Cebu City.

Last May 26, the Aboitiz Foundation formalized its partnership with AGAPP and the DepEd to build a total of 45 school buildings for pre-school children across the country within two years. Aboitiz Foundation will fund the construction of school facilities, while AGAPP will provide instructional materials and training for teachers.

The project’s construction design is modeled after AGAPP’s “Silid Pangarap,” which involves building one-story, two-room school-library facilities in depressed and disadvantaged communities. One room is for holding classes while the other room may be used as a library.

The project is also in line with DepEd’s K+12 system, which requires universal kindergarten education for all Filipino children.