City Savings Bank (CitySavings), a subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines, reinforces its commitment to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) MATATAG Agenda by donating 30 bicycles to Balay Paglaum in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, and providing learning kits to schools in Leyte. These initiatives aim to enhance the accessibility, inclusivity, and quality of education for all Filipino learners.
Balay Paglaum serves as a sanctuary for indigenous students from Roxas Elementary School and Sindaton National High School Annex. The donation of bicycles is intended to alleviate the transportation expenses faced by Indigenous Peoples (IP) learners, allowing them easier access to their schools, and consequently reducing dropout rates.
Rosabell Libuan, an incoming Grade 12 student at Sindaton National High School, expressed gratitude for the bicycles, highlighting their significant impact on IP learners’ daily 15-kilometer walks to school. The bicycles provided a solution, reducing fatigue and enabling them to focus more on their studies.
Christy Pablico, a Sindaton National High School teacher, witnessed the joy and hope among the IP learners at Balay Paglaum when they received the bicycles. She emphasized the encouragement and motivation the donation provided for these students to pursue their educational dreams.
Moreover, CitySavings extended support to indigenous communities in Leyte, distributing school essentials and technology-related equipment to schools like Dolho Elementary School, Kagbana Elementary School, Isabel Central School, Dolho National High School, and Isabel National High School. These endeavors align with DepEd’s objective of ensuring inclusive, accessible, and quality education for Filipino learners.
Learners of Dolho Elementary School in Bato, Leyte receive school bags, school supplies, and footwear from City Savings Bank as it proactively supports the indigenous communities in Eastern Visayas. CitySavings Regional Business Head Adrian Ruiz (leftmost) and Sogod Branch Business Head Kelvin Ruiz (2nd from left) share the joyous moment with the students during the donation turnover.
DepEd Region 8 Project Development Officer IV Eden Dadap recognized CitySavings for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, acknowledging the positive impact of collaborative efforts on education and community development.
Paula Katerina Joson, Senior Vice President and Marketing Head at CitySavings, highlighted the importance of uplifting the communities they serve. She hoped their educational support would significantly benefit IP learners, empowering them to achieve their full potential. This initiative closely aligns with the bank’s commitment to support DepEd’s MATATAG agenda for education in the Philippines.
