Bridgestone PH fullfills promise of hope to Tagalogtog school

BRIDGESTONE Philippines has stayed true to its promise to support Filipino society in any way possible.

Despite the challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the company has extended its help to young students in remote areas to provide a comfortable learning environment for them.

A year before the pandemic, students at the Talogtog-Bateng Elementary School in Mangaldan, Pangasinan had struggled to learn in makeshift classrooms made of lumber and plywood–a short-term solution given the lack of resources. These classrooms would get flooded during the rainy season and become extremely hot come summertime. Such an uncomfortable space served as an impediment to the students’ education, a concern that could also affect the community as a whole.

The story of the students of Talogtog-Bateng Elementary School caught the attention of Bridgestone Philippines, which eventually pledged to build a better infrastructure for the school.

According to Bridgestone Philippines, the initiative to help the school is a successful example of what individuals, organizations, businesses and nongovernmental organizations can do when they choose to work together.

Individual motorists provided the initial funding when they purchased Bridgestone tires, which the brand forwarded to HOPE. Founded in 2012, HOPE has been known for building public school classrooms through the sale of Hope in Bottle water.

The Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines’ Alfonso Lee Sin Memorial Lodge 158 provided the learning tools such as, but not limited to, chairs, desks and modules for the learners. Just like the leadership team of Bridgestone Philippines, the brethren from Lodge 158 also believe in the importance of having an education as a solid foundation on which a child can build a prosperous future.

Last March 2022, Talogtog-Bateng Elementary School finally received its brand-new classrooms. The completed buildings are expected to help both students and the nearby communities in Mangaldan.

Bridgestone’s marketing manager and project lead, Allan Santos, led the ceremonial turnover of the school building last March 29.

The event was attended by the school’s faculty and staff, including the principal, Alma V. Jomer, as well as representatives from the Department of Education.

Bridgestone said the wonderful story ​​in Mangaldan, Pangasinan represents an important piece of its strong commitment to society.

As everyone reaches out for the future, Bridgestone said the brand will remain by the Filipinos’ side.