UPLSAA Adopts Public School

by Ma. Cristina Samson

From left: Rosa Mateo, Evelyn Duran, Melania Mateo, Evangelina Africa (principal), Alicia Infante, Cristy Samson and Cora Gamboa.

Earlier this year, then-president Mae Lyn Quinto-Baron traveled with the UPLSAA board to Nueva Ecija armed with 400 children’s books. The group was welcomed by Evangelina R. Africa, principal of Jaen West Elementary School (population: 500 students), and a group of concerned teachers. A lecture and demonstration on organizing and processing printed materials were handled by Brine Alejandrino, Marian Ramos and Christine Manglal-lan.

UPLSAA became involved in this project when Alicia G. Infante, a Jaen teacher, requested Corazon Gamboa, her sister-in-law, for assistance in setting up a library for their school. The Board decided it was a worthy project and launched a drive to solicit books and library materials for the implementation of the program. Luckily, Rogelio B. Mallillin, alumnus and executive director of the Philippine Library Materials Project, offered three boxes of good quality reading materials for children.

On May 28, 2005, the second batch of donated books was delivered to the school through the leadership of current president Cristy Samson. The generous donor this time was the Miriam Grade School Library, represented by Edes Vijandre, an alumna, and Ofel Amores. A total of 553 volumes of interesting reading materials and textbooks in English and Filipino from Grades 1 to 7 was accepted by the ever-gracious principal, who treated us to sumptuous snacks and lunch, plus mangoes to take home.

The experience brought home the reality of the deteriorating quality of public elementary school education in the country. It is sad that despite the abundance of computers in private schools, many children still do not have good books to read. Let us join hands in reaching our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Donate a book now! Please contact Cristy Samson (426-6001 ext. 5802) for more information.