BY: GLENN D. TIPAY, EPS-II
Olongapo City, July 31, 2024 – In a heartwarming gesture of generosity and community support, the Lincoln Masonic Lodge No. 34, spearheaded by Worshipful Master Robert Reginald Paulino and Team Utol Rides, donated a canopy worth ₱200,000 to the indigenous learners of Iram II Elementary School located in Sitio Mampueng, Old Cabalan, Olongapo City. The turn-over ceremony took place today, highlighting the collaborative efforts to enhance the educational environment for the students.
The program started with an Inspirational Message from Dr. Imelda P. Macaspac, OIC-Schools Division Superintendent, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the donation and emphasized the importance of community support in enriching the educational experiences of indigenous learners. Her thoughts were confirmed by Hon. Rolen C. Paulino Jr., the City Mayor, who praised the generous act as a significant contribution to the city’s educational development.
Hon. Zenaida P. Liwanag, Barangay Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representative, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the community, acknowledging the generous contributions of the benefactors.
Following these inspiring messages, Robert Reginald C. Paulino, City Administrator and Worshipful Master of Lincoln Masonic Lodge No. 34, delivered a message from the benefactors. He emphasized the lodge’s commitment to supporting education and improving the learning conditions for students, especially those from indigenous communities.
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent William Roderick R. Fallorin then shared a message of advice to the learners, encouraging them to take advantage of the improved facilities and strive for excellence in their studies. He also acknowledged the positive impact such donations have on the students’ academic journey.
The event continued with an acceptance speech by Jayson E. Alde, the OIC Principal of Iram II Elementary School. He expressed profound gratitude to the Lincoln Masonic Lodge No. 34 and Team Utol Rides for their generosity, emphasizing how the new canopy would provide a more conducive learning environment for the students. In addition to the canopy, school supplies were also distributed to 135 IPED learners.
The ceremonial signing of the turn-over documents followed, symbolizing the formal acceptance of the donation. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by the dignitaries from Lincoln Masonic Lodge No. 34, SDO-Olongapo officials, Iram II Elementary School staff, and members of the Mampueng community, marking the official handover of the canopy to the school.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the benefactors, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to the educational sector in Olongapo City. The canopy, now a permanent fixture at Iram II Elementary School, stands as a testament to the power of community solidarity and the enduring impact of philanthropy on education.
