From the Department of Education
The Department of Education (DepEd), Mondelēz Philippines, and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on April 27 for the “adoption” of Panalaron Elementary School in Tacloban City. The project, which costs approximately P7.3 million, aims to repair damaged school buildings, construct libraries, and conduct a 180-day feeding program as well as provide psychosocial therapy and debriefing for teachers who were affected by Typhoon Yolanda.
DepEd Undersecretary for Partnerships and External Linkages Mario Deriquito lauded PBSP for being their “most durable partner,” and also expressed his gratitude to Mondelēz International for “partnering with DepEd again.” Mondelēz Philippines had partnered with DepEd last February, and donated 2,000 recycled school chairs for 20 schools in Tacloban City.
The project will be implemented through DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program, which links DepEd to other organizations and partners to help accomplish the basic inputs in education including classrooms, books, and school seats, among others.
Mondelēz Philippines General Manager Sudip Mall shared that their goal has always been “to bring joy to the lives of children.” With this, they aim to achieve the same goal in Tacloban City and other Yolanda-affected areas.
“In Tacloban and other Yolanda-hit areas, we wish to create the same joy in the schools and the community around it. Children had gone through tragedies; it is now time for them to feel triumph. And so we want to create little moments of joy to the lives of students,” Mall said.
PBSP Executive Director Rafael Lopa commended the company for the establishment of the Joy School Program. “The approach and strategy of the ‘Joy School Program’ is something we desire to do with other educational programs. We hope we can scale up with our other partners as well,” Lopa said.
The three parties expect this project to be implemented by July 2014 at Panalaron Elementary School.
deped.gov.ph