Capiz schools get 53,000 books
ROXAS CITY – More than 600 public and private schools in Capiz received 53,000 children’s books, high school texts, and college reference materials from a donation made possible through The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia Program in the Philippines.
The distribution rites held last September 16 was attended by Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, Capiz Schools Superintendent Eveleth Gamboa, Roxas City Schools Superintendent Jesse Gomez, Kiwanis International Philippine South Past District Governor Jose Altavas, District Governor Ruffy Leyson, Filamer Christian University President Expedito Seneres, among others.
Dr. Steven Rood, country representative of The Asia Foundation, and Efren Balajadia, director of the Books for Asia program in the Philippines, presented the books to representatives of elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities.
“The Asia Foundation is proud to work with local leaders and citizens in strengthening the availability of educational materials in their communities and to provide broader opportunities as families try to improve their lives,” Rood said.
He added: “Through this donation of books, we hope to nurture the Filipino child’s capacity for knowledge and social responsibility to build a peaceful, competent, and healthy society.”
Balajadia, for his part, said: “It is my hope that these books and materials can help schoolchildren perform better in all facets of their education. This will ideally become a stepping stone to encourage enhanced economic opportunities and personal fulfillment in the future.”
Tanco acknowledged the donation, saying the “Books for Asia’s passion and commitment shall greatly propel one of Capiz Province Pag-ulikid’s [concern] flagship agenda to improve the quality of education by providing quality books to our students. The books shall strongly boost their quest for academic excellence.”
“Our partnership with The Asia Foundation has become a vital source of books to sustain Kiwanis Book Bank Program through our network of Kiwanis clubs in Visayas and Mindanao,” said Altavas, manager of the Kiwanis Book Bank Program.*
