Tuesday, September 30, 2008 Aboitiz Group continues to invest in education
EDUCATION Secretary Jesli Lapus has lauded the Aboitiz Group of Companies for their advocacy for education, and for matching their words with deeds.
The Aboitiz Group Foundation Inc. (AGFI) and members of the Aboitiz Group of Companies completed P16.5 million worth of projects with the department in 2007.
Another P30 million has been committed by the Cebu-based business conglomerate for this year.
"With continued support and commitment of companies like the Aboitiz Group, our momentum to forge ahead in upgrading public education will be sustained well into the coming years," Lapus said.
During the signing of the agreement at the Cebu International Convention Center in Cebu City, Lapus joined Jaime Jose Aboitiz, president of the Aboitiz Energy Solutions Inc.; Dennis Garcia, president of Visayan Electric Company; Jose Venacio Batiquin, president of Luzon Hydro Corporation; Jon Ramon Aboitiz, chairman of Aboitiz Foundation Inc.; Erramon Aboitiz, president of AGFI; and Benjamin Cariaso, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Aboitiz Energy Solutions Inc.
"I hope the Aboitiz Groups' corporate social responsibility will inspire other sectors to likewise make meaningful contributions to advance the cause of education," the education chief added.
DepEd's Adopt-A-School Program facilitates private-public sector partnerships for education.
Aboitiz Energy Solutions, Inc. and AGFI have completed library kit and computer donation projects in Laguna, Olongapo City, and General Santos City worth a total of P566,000.
Luzon Hydro Corporation and AGFI have various projects such as the construction, repair and rehabilitation of school buildings; provision of computers; and improvement of water supply systems for Alilem Daya National High School in Alilem, Ilocos Sur and Ampusongan National High School in Bakun, Benguet.
The projects for the two schools have P1,221,400 total worth. It would be completed by 2009.
Visayan Electric Company and AGFI have projects in various public schools in Cebu worth P4,797,926. These projects are expected to be completed this year.
Last year, DepEd, through the Adopt-A-School Program, received a total of P16.5 million worth of projects from AGFI and members of the Aboitiz Group of Companies.
Ten companies under the Aboitiz group have been formally enrolled in the Adopt-A-School Program with Aboitiz Energy Solutions, Inc., Luzon Hydro Corporation, and Visayan Electric Company as the most recent joining the group. (Press release)
