By: Glenn D. Tipay, EPS II-SMN
Olongapo City, Philippines – A significant step towards enhancing education and nutrition for Indigenous Peoples (IP) learners was taken on February 25, 2025, as the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Olongapo City and One Subic Power Generation Corporation formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the SDO Conference Hall.
The event commenced at 10:00 AM. The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from Annie A. Montero, Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) I-C, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing educational initiatives in the city. This was followed by a message from Dr. Imelda P. Macaspac, OIC-Schools Division Superintendent, emphasizing the importance of private sector partnerships in uplifting education and student welfare. Hermogenes G. Gedaca, Plant Manager of One Subic Power Generation Corporation, also delivered an inspiring message, reaffirming the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to supporting education in Olongapo City.
The formal MOA signing solidified the partnership, ensuring the provision of much-needed support for Iram II Elementary School (Iram II ES) in Sitio Mampueng, Barangay Old Cabalan, Olongapo City, where the majority of students belong to the Ayta Ambala Indigenous Peoples community.
Under this agreement, One Subic Power Generation Corporation will allocate an estimated total cost of Php 150,000.00 per year, amounting to Php 450,000.00 over three years. This initiative will include:
- Rehabilitation of the school kitchen
- Procurement of kitchen equipment such as gas tanks, stoves, stove racks, kitchen cabinets, heavy-duty casseroles, and kitchen utensils
- Construction of essential facilities including a feeding area, poultry area, vegetable beds, and vertical gardening structures
- Implementation of a 120-day learner-nutrition support program
This support program is designed to complement existing Department of Education (DepEd) initiatives.
Dignitaries and education stakeholders witnessed the signing, highlighting the partnership’s impact on improving nutrition, health, and learning conditions for IP students. The ceremony concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Jason E. Alde, OIC-Principal of Iram II Elementary School, who expressed gratitude for the untiring support in fostering a healthier and more conducive learning environment for their students.
This partnership results a significant achievement in public-private collaboration, setting an inspiring precedent for future community-driven education and welfare programs in Olongapo City.
