NGO accused of terror links gets more expressions of support

Screengrab from fis.edu.ph

Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito and the San Juan City government have expressed support for a nongovernment organization (NGO) operating schools in the country that Turkish Ambassador  Esra Cankorur  had accused of links to terrorism.

In a statement, Ejercito said the Integrative Center for Alternative Development Foundation Inc. (Icad) and its Fountain International School (FIS) in San Juan had proven to be steady partners of the city’s educational and socio-civic programs.

“In my experience, the school here in San Juan is run well. They are also cooperative with the community,” said Ejercito, a former San Juan mayor.

His mother, incumbent San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez likewise issued a statement in support of the Filipino-Turkish NGO.

“It is but worthy to extend our gratitude and support to the Icad and Fountain International School with its hardworking officials, faculty and staff,” said Gomez.

Gomez said the San Juan government had partnered with the two institutions “on countless programs” to benefit the people of San Juan, including scholarships and tie-ups with the city-funded Polytechnic University of the Philippines-San Juan and outreach projects for the less privileged sector.