The indomitable bayanihan (community) spirit was recently put on display in the Zamboanga Peninsula as the Siayan Sindangan Zambo-River Power Corporation (SZPC) of the Alsons Power Group joined forces once more with the Department of Education (DepEd), local government units (LGU) and communities to carry out this year’s “Brigada Eskwela” in various schools situated in Dumingag and Siayan municipalities.
“Brigada Eskwela,” a cherished tradition, is an annual event that aims to prepare schools for the upcoming academic year. It serves as a platform for fostering unity and cooperation among various stakeholders, highlighting the power of community engagement. The Alsons Power Group, known for its commitment to supporting learning environments, access and pedagogies recognizes the importance of providing students with well-equipped facilities.
With a noble effort to empower the young minds of tomorrow, the Alcantara-led company distributed at least 1,000 school bags filled with assorted school supplies to pupils in need across five elementary public schools in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, as well as 3 elementary public schools in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte. The initiative aims to help learners concentrate on their studies without the burden of inadequate resources.
Dumingag Municipal Mayor Jerry Panglinawan expressed his belief that: “these gifts are nothing short of divine blessings for the people of Dumingag. In the face of numerous obstacles and adversities, it is imperative that we express our gratitude to a higher power for selecting SZPC as the conduit through which these blessings have been bestowed upon us,” Mayor Panglinawan said.
Meanwhile, officials of the municipal and barangay LGUs of Siayan and Timuay expressed their deep appreciation for the consistent school-based support provided by the SZPC, especially during the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly disrupted the educational landscape in Siayan town.
Llelewyn Lisondra, SZPC’s Senior Supervisor for HR and Community Relations announced that the company will also be providing construction materials to support various school maintenance projects. He added that initiatives ranging from repairing deteriorating classrooms to adding vibrant murals to school walls will ensue.
“As your partner, SZPC will tirelessly invest in building a brighter future for the children in Zamboanga through conducive learning environments and equitable access to quality education,” he said.
SZPC is developing a hydroelectric power project of up to 22 Megawatts (MW) encompassing various municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte.
In line with the theme “Bayanihan Para sa Matatag na Paaralan” (Unity for Strong Schools), this year’s “Brigada Eskwela” highlighted the nationwide collective volunteerism to ensure a clean, safe, inclusive, and conducive learning environment for students, teachers, and staff in schools all throughout the country.
