The "worrying (read: alarming) declines in proficiency" of Filipino students, as noted by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), has spurred local governments around the Philippines to increase their own local investments in the education sector.
However, it is also clear that local governments will not be able to shoulder a Herculean task on their own shoulders.
This is why the city government of San Pedro, Laguna is grateful to the donation of computer units by Jinam Scholarship Program, Salt and Light International, and Yeosu City, South Korea to the city's public schools.
A total of 20 computers were handed over to two major public schools in San Pedro City – 20 to the Dona Pilar M. Alberto Integrated High School on January 28, and another 20 to the San Pedro Central Elementary School on January 29.
“Talagang lubos kaming nagpapasalamat na may ganitong foundation na tumutulong sa LGU. Kasi talagang hindi lahat kayang ibigay pa ng LGU due to limited budget. Pero dahil sa mga katulad nitong foundation nakakatulong sila na iprovide. [Tulad nito] talagang mga essentials needs ng mga kabataan lalo na sa mga learners natin sa pag-improve ng kanilang kaalaman,” was how San Pedro City Administrator Atty. Henry Salazar put it during the turnover ceremonies at the Alberto Integrated High School.
The donation represents the continued partnership of Salt and Light International and its attached institutions to the San Pedro City LGU in its mission not only to propagate the message of love, peace and hope but also to improve the welfare of San Pedrenses.
“Basically our passion is church and community. To share the love of Jesus Christ. So we’re a Christian organization and we do non-profit works like child scholarships and sponsorships. Also for community schools like this, we try to help in whatever ways we could,” Ara Jo, directress of Salt and Light International, said.
Needless to say, these donations are also a welcome gift to students of San Pedro City’s public schools who are now in need of improved education, particularly in this digital world.
San Pedro Central Elementary School Principal Jodelyn Labad, for instance, said the new computers are also a morale booster for the 2,068 students currently enrolled in the city’s primary public school.
“This donation will open doors for our students, providing them with essential tools to leran, grow and pursue their dreams in an increasingly digital world,” she said. “These computers will empower our students’ learning experiences, improve their digital literacy, and better prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the world.”
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