Filipino Canadians donate 14 classrooms to Philippines

Filipino Canadians donate 14 classrooms to Philippines

The Classroom Galing sa Mamamayang Abroad (CGMA) project was launched in 2003 to help alleviate the classroom shortage in the country. Since its launching on June 27, 2003, it has gained overwhelming support from Filipino-Canadian communities, civic organizations and individual patron-donors from different parts of Canada.

The “bayanihan” spirit is still inherent in their hearts even though they are away from their homeland. Their classroom donations played a major role in nation building and made a lot of improvement for both the pupils and the teachers.

As of 15 July 2006, Filipino-Canadians have donated fourteen classrooms that benefited eleven schools. Construction of the 14 classrooms have been completed and the same are used by the pupils and teachers.

The classroom donation at Balatbat Elementary School in Lobo, Batangas, being the first donation to the CGMA project from Canada was completed on February 13, 2005. The said classroom was donated by the Batangas Provincial Association of Canada (BPAC). Another classroom donated by BPAC at Tubahan Elementary School in Rosario, Batangas was completed on March 21, 2006.

Other donors from Canada are as follows:

The Filipino-Canadian Community of Ottawa donated two classrooms that benefited Francisco Benitez Elementary School in Tondo, Manila and one classroom that benefited Guinsiliban Central Elementary School in Guinsiliban, Camiguin Province. Another classroom in Guinsiliban Central Elementary School was donated by Engr. Camilo Tabalba; The Kapampangan Association of Montreal donated two classrooms that benefited Guillermo D. Mendoza National High School in Guagua, Pampanga and Benigno S. Aquino National High School in Concepcion, Tarlac. Said classrooms are scheduled for inauguration and turn-over; The Filipino Association of Edmonton, Alberta donated two classrooms that benefited Tambobong Elementary School in Lingayen, Pangasinan and are scheduled for inauguration and turn-over; Ang Pilipinas Organization donated one classroom that benefited Talangan National High School in Nagcarlan, Laguna; Atty. And Mrs. Marcial Q. Aranas of Alberta, Canada donated one classroom that benefited Biking National High School in Dauis, Bohol; The Filipino-Canadian Association of Kingston donated one classroom that benefited Kiloloron Elementary School in Real, Quezon;
Mr. and Mrs. Julio and Consorcia Abella donated one classroom that benefited Calinog Elementary School in Calinog, Iloilo. Said classroom was completed on June 16, 2006 and its inauguration and turn-over is tentatively scheduled in October 2006.

The Philippine Embassy-Ottawa, Philippine Consulate General-Toronto, Philippine Consulate General-Vancouver, Honorary Consul of Edmonton and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all the donors to the CGMA project.

CGMA project is a collaborative effort of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Education (DedEd), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI).

A donation of US$4,000.00 to the CGMA project can build a standard size classroom measuring 7 x 9 meters. Donations can be made through pledging and remittance system set up by the government. Prospective donors and sponsors may contact the CGMA hotline in Manila at (011632) 5276184, e-mail cgma@dole.gov.ph or visit the nearest Philippine Embassy (613-2331121), Philippine Consulate General-Toronto (416-9227181) Philippine Consulate General-Vancouver (604-6857645) and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (416-9758252). Donors may choose the beneficiary school from the list of identified priority areas in the Philippines, accomplish the Deed of Donation forms and remit the donation to the CGMA Trust Account at the Development Bank of the Philippines.
(PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Overseas Labor Office