by Arlene Dela Rea
In a remarkable display of corporate social responsibility, the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) Foundation and Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC) joined forces to revolutionize education in Olongapo City. Spearheaded by Sir Milky Llorente, ICTSI Foundation Senior Specialist & Program Head, and Ma’am Olga Lledo, SBITC HR Superintendent and CSR Coordinator, the collaborative effort marked a significant milestone in advancing the digital landscape of public schools.
The turnover ceremony, held on April 5, 2024, at Olongapo City Elementary School, was a moment of jubilation as 102 units of 50″ Smart Samsung TVs, accompanied by 102 pcs of True Vision Full Motion TV Wall Brackets, were bestowed upon six schools within the city. These schools, namely Olongapo City Elementary School, Iram Elementary School, Upper Sibul Elementary School, Special Education Center for the Gifted, Bangal Integrated School, and Sergia Soriano Esteban Integrated School II, welcomed the generous donation with open arms.
The indescribable feelings of the school principals, and the Division Office personnel, as they witnessed the tears of joy experienced by the teachers upon seeing the TVs before them, underscored the profound impact of the donation. Their gratitude knew no bounds, as they envisioned the transformative potential of these state-of-the-art tools in enriching the educational experience of their students.
In attendance were also School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA) officers, who echoed the sentiments of appreciation and gratitude. They expressed immense relief and joy knowing that effortlessly, their children would now benefit from the TVs for enhanced learning engagement. The atmosphere was charged with optimism and hope as parents and educators alike looked forward to a future brightened by digital empowerment.
The initiative garnered praise from the City Mayor, Atty. Rolen C. Paulino, Jr., who commended the companies for their dedication to enhancing educational opportunities. He emphasized that this project perfectly aligned with the local government’s mission to bolster support for education, underscoring its importance in shaping the future of Olongapo’s youth.
Dr. Imelda P. Macaspac, the OIC-Schools Division Superintendent, echoed the sentiment of gratitude, emphasizing the invaluable impact of the donation on teachers and students alike. She expressed profound appreciation to ICTSI Foundation and SBITC for their benevolent support, noting that the state-of-the-art televisions would significantly enhance teaching-learning strategies and foster learners’ engagement.
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent William Roderick R. Fallorin delivered closing remarks, emphasizing that the donation marked not the end but the beginning of a transformative journey in education. He applauded the compassionate efforts of ICTSI Foundation and SBITC, acknowledging the dedication of their personnel in turning the project into a reality. He expressed hope that the companies would continue to be blessed as they embark on further initiatives to uplift communities.
As the ceremony ended, the spirit of collaboration and commitment to education lingered, promising a brighter future for the learners of Olongapo City. With ICTSI Foundation and SBITC leading the charge, the journey towards digital empowerment in education has only just begun.
