MANILA -- Capital One Philippines Support Services Corp. (COPSSC) recently extended its support to Yolanda-stricken communities in Tacloban City, bringing in backpacks, school supplies and personal computers to the city’s public schools.
A total of 2,500 school bags packed already with school supplies and an additional 1,000 school materials are expected to benefit elementary and high school students in the most typhoon-hit barangays.
COPSSC’s General Manager Paul Townsend, together with other COPSSC delegates, met with Mayor Alfred Romualdez to sign the official Deed of Donation.
“Almost seven months after Yolanda hit, flattened school structures and torn pieces of books and chairs remain to be seen in public schools here in Tacloban City. Despite these losses, it’s inspiring to see families and kids still responding with warmth and courage, displaying that distinct indomitable spirit Filipinos are known for. We hope we can further encourage that spirit through this support,” Townsend said.
Each school bag contains a pencil, folder, notebooks, and a set of coloring materials.
Townsend said that school materials packed inside the bags came from the personal initiative of COPSSC’s associates.
He said it was during COPSSC’s year-starter party, entitled “One for Love,” that associates put up a donation drive to gather “backpacks of love” filled with and school supplies to be given to Yolanda survivors.
Aside from the school bags and materials, COPSSC also donated 500 personal computers to be distributed to selected public schools and hospitals. Providing personal computers is COPSSC’s way of helping restore Tacloban’s school infrastructure to support children’s education.
“We are very appreciative of Capital One's donation for the school children of Tacloban. These gifts will go a long way toward our recovery and contribute greatly in ensuring each child will have a chance to create better opportunities and a better future for themselves and their families,” Mayor Romualdez said.
According to Townsend, the relief efforts in Tacloban City form part of COPSSC’s Investing for Good program that supports the well-being of local communities.
The program covers various civic activities like financial literacy, entrepreneurial assistance programs, and basic skills development trainings. Townsend shared that education has a special focus in the program.
“Education equips students with the most important capacities and values necessary to support their families and communities. Since we started our operations in the country, COPSSC has been partnering with organizations involved in education to support children from the poorest communities. We’ll remain committed in furthering education in various local communities,” Townsend said. (PR)