Atlas Copco Philippines: Adopt a School part 3

Davao City - With Dr. Vic Salvado of Mindanao Philsaga Foundation, we then proceeded to Bunawan, Agusan Del Sur for the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between the Department of Education and Atlas Copco Philippines.

We weren’t expecting anything at all. Maybe a quick photo op with Jonnie and the DepEd representative signing the document, and that’s it.

But what happened during the MOA signing was a complete surprise. The folks at the Agusan Del Note Regional DepEd office prepared a short program to celebrate the event, complete with invocation, singing of the national anthem, photo ops, giveaway distribution and entertainment! Ms. Crucita ZM. Taala – Schools Division Superintendent, Ms. Corazon A. Otaza – Bunawan District in Charge, and Ms. Victoria P. Chagas – Asst. Schools Division Superintendent represented the DepEd. Around 30 or so teachers and administrators present.

After the MOA signing, we went back to Davao with a sense of gratitude and pride. We were thankful for the chance to make an impact in the lives of our brethren. We felt that somehow, in our own little way, we have made a difference, no matter how small, in the lives of others.

Fast Facts

Did you know that Republic Act 8525 established the “Adopt-a-School” Program? Here are excerpts from RA 8525:

“Sec. 3. Adopt-a-School Program. — There is hereby established the "Adopt-a-School Program" which will allow private entities to assist a public school, whether elementary, secondary, or tertiary, preferably located in any of the twenty (20) poorest provinces identified by the Presidential Council for Countryside Development or any other government agency tasked with identifying the poorest provinces in, but not limited to, the following areas: staff and faculty development for training and further education; construction of facilities; upgrading of existing facilities, provision of books, publications and other instructional materials; and modernization of instructional technologies.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) specifying the details of the adoption shall be entered into between the adopting entity and the head of the school concerned: Provided, That such MOA shall be subject to review and approval of the Superintendent of Schools of the province or district concerned: Provided, further, That the agreement shall last for at least two (2) years with the possibility of extension.”