“Amsic Elementary school has been forgotten by the NGO’s (non-government organizations)", says the school principal sadly. “It seems that we are one of the most impoverished public elementary schools in Angeles City”, Mr. Ronquillo added.
Public schools in the Philippines, though funded by the government, obtain an inadequate share of the annual government budget. This is apparent from the shortage of classrooms, desk, chairs, teachers and books. Unfortunately, due to this deficiency, the quality of education in most public schools is substandard.
Amsic Elementary School, although located in close proximity to Clark Economic Zone, does not receive a lot of grants from its affluent neighbors. The school teaches over nine hundred primary students occupying around ten classrooms. Due to the insufficiency of classrooms, the children are rostered to attend classes at designated times (resulting in shortened learning hours).
This school was handpicked by HFA Batch ’86 or obvious reasons. Whilst education in public schools is free, the students come from the deprived areas in the vicinity and thus, cannot afford to be equipped with school supplies on a regular basis.
The group headed by the batch president Blanca Escoto, brought bags of school supplies and pre-Christmas treats for the preparatory kids and some first grade students. The children were all ecstatic as they rummaged through their bags and presents. The school principal along with the teachers, were appreciative of this gesture as it manifests love and generosity towards the destitute.
This endeavor was made possible by the charitable funding of HFA batch ’86 in the Philippines and abroad. To pursue these benevolent projects, everyone is welcome to share their blessings by sending an e-mail about your intent to atchatan@yahoogroups.com.
