MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Landbank of the Philippines (LandBank) on Wednesday inked a partnership to repair disaster-affected classrooms in 12 last-mile schools.
In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara lauded the LandBank for entering into a two-year partnership with the education sector.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami ng lubos sa inyong generosity at kagandahang loob. Ramdam na ramdam po namin ang inyong malasakit (We are immensely grateful for your generosity and goodwill. We truly feel your concern), and it is clear that you have chosen communities that will really benefit from the donations,” he said.
Under the MOU, each of the 12 schools will receive a PHP500,000 fund for repairs from the LandBank, for a total of PHP6 million.
Meanwhile, LandBank President Lynette Ortiz said the LandBank Leasing and Finance Corporation and the LandBank Resources and Development Corporation contributed another PHP1 million for funding and construction assistance for the construction of selected schools.
“We are introducing this volunteerism component that will mobilize employees to participate in repair and renovation efforts as well as support activities for both communities and learners involved,” she said.
Concerned Schools Division Offices (SDOs), meanwhile, will oversee adherence to government standards while ensuring learning continuity during repairs.
School heads shall also secure documentation and updates while SDO engineers will work closely with LandBank’s technical team.
Besides the repair of disaster-affected schools, the LandBank also committed to help link DepEd with other banks for the Adopt-a-School Program. (PNA)