Metrobank and PBSP turn over classrooms to benefit more than 400 students in Tuy, Batangas
Metrobank and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) recently turned over new classrooms to benefit more than 400 students of Bolbok Elementary School in Tuy, Batangas through the Metrobank Build-A-Classroom Project.
The Metrobank Build-A-Classroom Project is a legacy project undertaken by Metrobank and its employees in celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary that started last 2012.
“This is such a moving and touching experience for us, we (Metrobank employees) took on this project because apart from sharing our expertise in banking, we would also like to give back to the society,” said Maria Zarah Hernandez, Employee Relations Division Head of Metrobank. “This is also our support to the call of the Department of Education headed by Brother Armin Luistro to the business sector to help build classrooms to answer to the classroom backlog in the country,” she added.
The Build-A-Classroom Project aims to build 24 classrooms in the Philippines. To date, ten (10) classrooms were already built, turned over, and are now being utilized by elementary students in Zamboanga, Cotabato City and Batangas. “I am glad that Tuy, Batangas is one of the beneficiaries of our project,” she said.
During the turn over ceremony, Bolbok Elementary School Principal, Apolinaria Hernandez candidly recalls the story when a project officer from PBSP coordinated with her regarding a possible donation of classrooms to the school. “She (project officer) went here for an ocular inspection and after which she told me, ‘Ma’am don’t get your hopes up yet, this is just part of the assessment process,’” she said.
A few days after the visit, Apolinaria received another call from the same person. “She (project officer) told me, ‘Ma’am, can the lot accommodate three classrooms?’ Then I thought, how can I not hope?” she quipped.
She then immediately pursued the accomplishment of all the needed documents and requirements communicated by PBSP.
Metrobank officially turned over three classrooms to the school last March 21, 2014. Two sections of pupils from grade 5 and one section of Grade 6 will utilize the newly built classrooms.
Ma’am Apolinaria spoke on behalf of the community of Bolbok and said, “We assure you (Metrobank) that this building will be loved, valued, and cared for by the people of Bolbok, through the teachers and the students of this school.” Metrobank and PBSP will soon be turning over classrooms in Davao, Tarlac, Bicol, Samar, and Navotas City.