Batangas association donates a classroom

Batangas association donates a classroom

TORONTO–“The Batangas Provincial Association of Canada (BPAC), is the first Filipino organization in Canada to donate a classroom under the Classroom Galing sa Mamamayang Pilipino Abroad (CGMA) Program,” Philippine Labor Representative Rolando Rico C. Olalia announced.

The hand-over of the association’s donation was made by its officials at the Philippine Consulate General, Toronto on Aug. 3, and witnessed by Consul Julius D. Torres, Philippine Labor Representative Rolando Rico C. Olalia, and officials of Batangas Provincial Association of Canada.

Olalia also revealed that at least two more Filipino organizations will turn over its donation to the CGMA Program very soon. “We are happy with the warm response the CGMA Program has gotten from the Filipino community in Toronto and we are upbeat more than ever that more organizations will come forward to help make this endeavor a resounding success.” Consul Torres on the other hand thanked the association for giving priority to the program in their fund-raising activities. “Your act of generosity will certainly inspire us more to work towards the success of this project,” Consul Torres told the association during the simple ceremony.

Currently, there are one hundred and forty-seven donations made by various organizations both in the Philippines and overseas. Sixty-four (64) classrooms have been built in 8 cities and 13 municipalities in the Philippines while 59 classrooms are undergoing construction in 5 cities and 11 municipalities.
The CGMA Program is a joint initiative of the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Education, and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry that aims to alleviate classroom shortages in priority schools nationwide through donations of overseas Filipino communities, employers and civic-minded organizations, and generous individuals and groups. Information on this ongoing project can be obtained from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Toronto at the following numbers: (416) 975.8252 or by visiting its website at www.polocanada.org .

(PRESS RELEASE)