New Zealand supports GMA Kapuso Foundation in classroom construction project

The New Zealand Embassy has awarded a grant to GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMA KF)  to express support on building two classroom structures in Calassitan Elementary School in Sto Niño, Catanduanes that was affected in the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses last year.

In a statement, GMA Kapuso Foundation Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rikki Escudero-Catibog said they wanted to build new classrooms for safer space for public elementary students and teachers there.

“30% of the school’s population are members of the Agta tribe and indigenous people are a priority beneficiary group of GMA Kapuso Foundation, “ said Escudero-Catibog.

The embassy also supported the Foundation's initiative to help Agta/Aguy Indigenous People, who were severely affected by the effects of the typhoon.

“The New Zealand Government advocates for the recognition and inclusion of indigenous knowledge and economic participation. Through the New Zealand High Embassy Fund, we are supporting small scale, short-term community projects that contribute to wider community well-being," New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell said. 

"We are proud to support GMA Kapuso Foundation in its Calassitan Elementary School Development project which aims to provide a healthy educational environment to indigenous students,” he further said.

Kell added that the program will also help end issues on  "social exclusion, poverty and inequity."

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army also supported the project through "crucial help of the 5th Infantry Division, 501st Infantry Brigade, 17th Infantry Battalion, 51st Engineer Brigade, and the 513 Engineer Combat Battalion."

Philippine Army will also provide transportation, security, technical and engineering manpower in support of the classroom construction.

The GMAKF also had valuable partners for materials for construction which include DwightSteel, PPG Coatings (Philippines) Inc., Holcim Philippines Inc., Manila Water Foundation, Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Sanitec Bath and Kitchen Specialist and Yale Home Philippines.

GMAKF EVP/COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog and the Foundation's multi sectoral partners, namely Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. AFP, Mayor Atty. Vicente G, Pagurayan, and Dr. Lauro Daquioag, Public School District Supervisor attended the groundbreaking ceremony of Calassitan Elementary School last April 28, 2021.

The GMAKF is building a total of six classrooms at Calassitan Elementary School and Abariongan Elementary School in Sto. Niño Cagayan and Bural Elementary School in Rizal, Cagayan. It is set to be turned over this year.

In addition, a steel and concrete bridge will also be established at Barangay Umiray, Dingalan, Aurora and six classrooms will be rehabilitated at Villa Aurora Elementary School, Maria Aurora, Aurora this year.

These projects are all disaster relief interventions under GMA Kapuso Foundation's Operation Bayanihan disaster relief program. -- Consuelo Marquez/BAP, GMA News