Inaugurates first of eight Sibol schools for the year
After a successful partnership with Gawad Kalinga Foundation that saw the construction of the first Meralco Sibol pre-school in the Lopez-MNTC-GK site in Marilao, Bulacan, Manila Electric Company is following up the effort this year with eight other Sibol schools in different GK communities within its franchise.
"We were encouraged by the success of our initial partnership with GK to continue our involvement in the Sibol program," said Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel Lopez at the groundbreaking for the Meralco Sibol School in Zontaville, Mandaluyong City.
"Education has long been the thrust of Meralco's corporate social responsibility projects. With the Sibol program, we are able to do more for these communities and also involve more people in these activities. The Sibol program allows Meralco to leave a lasting legacy to communities we serve," he said.
As in all GK projects, construction of the Sibol schools entails not just monetary donations but actual involvement of corporate volunteers. Gawad Kalinga National Executive Director Antonio Meloto noted that the personal involvement and commitment of Mr. Lopez in the project ensures its sustainability.
"With the leadership of Meralco throwing its full support behind this project, and the involvement of some 300 volunteers from Meralco, who spend their weekends at the GK sites to help build a school for the children, we are confident of the continued success of this program," he said.
"Meralco's practice of CSR fits perfectly with GK's concept of community development. Meralco volunteers, from executives down to the rank and file, all make it a point to find time for outreach projects because we believe giving money is not enough. Participation is what gives greater satisfaction both to the recipients and the volunteers," Mr. Lopez added.
Aside from construction of the school building, Meralco is also providing the tables and chairs, books, toys, multimedia equipment and other furnishings for the school. In addition, the Meralco Sibol School Project will include training workshops for teachers on the areas of classroom management, storytelling, and waste management as well as provide for the school's utilities and teacher allowances for one year.
For the first Meralco Sibol School in Marilao, Meralco employee volunteers also pledged to shoulder the school's electricity bills for one year, and provide allowance for the teachers.
CAPTION FOR PICTURE
Photo taken during the ground breaking ceremony shows. (From left to right) Tony Meloto, Gawad Kalinga president, Mr. Manolo Lopez, chairman of Meralco, and other Zonta Club and Meralco officers
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