During the distribution of bags and school supplies on Wednesday at the school’s multi-purpose hall, Widus Hotel and Casino GM Tarek Aouini said two more school beneficiaries in the city will be visited by Widus Foundation.
“We all know that education is very important for the kids, for their families and the society and for the humanity in general that is why we are very happy and proud to be part of their journey in their education and we are very happy to support them,” Aouini said.
School teachers were also profuse in thanking Widus.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Widus by coming here they really helped those who are really in need,” said Grade 1 teacher Nina Dizon.
Teacher Marty Lopez was all hands in herding the students as well as setting up the stage for the brief program. “In behalf of the children, thank you Widus,” he said.
“This is just the start of our threepart project where more than 2,000 underprivileged elementary students will receive backpacks filled with school supplies to help alleviate parents’ spending and encourage students to pursue their education,” said Widus AVP for corporate planning and compliance Agnes “Neki” Liwanag.
She also said it was the school officials who choose the benefi ciaries by providing Widus with a list.
The program which was done in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) aims to address one of the causes of school dropouts –lack of basic school materials.
Gueco Elementary principal Maria Tara Clemente and DepEd Division superintendent Leilani Cunanan commended the campaign and awarded the foundation’s board of trustees a plaque of appreciation. They both thanked Widus for their help.
Widus AVP for finance Mitchel Estacio, who was also present in the event, said the project will now be the foundation’s annual back-toschool campaign.
“We hope to be able to help the community by empowering the youth through simple and direct ways of extending basic educational assistance,” Estacio added.
About 20 students from the total number of recipients are relocated children from the war-inflicted town of Marawi.
Santa Maria Elementary School and Teodoro P. Tinio Elementary School are also set to receive the same support from the foundation this month.
