DAVAO CITY—The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines donated P150 million for the construction of 13 school buildings in different areas of Davao City, the city information office said.
The assistance would be coursed through the Tapang at Malasakit Alliance (TMA), the support organization of the administration of President Duterte.
The city government said the alliance “serves as a channel between the Chinese Embassy and the Department of Education [DepEd] on Davao City in bringing a brighter future to the children of Davao through education.”
On October 5 a groundbreaking ceremony was held for one of the schools, Agdao Elementary School, as the country’s education sector commemorated World Teachers’ Day.
Also lined up for assistance are Acacia Elementary School; Mudiang Elementary School; San Miguel Elementary School; Mabuhay National High School; Baguio Central Elementary School; Cadalian Elementary School; Malalan Elementary School; Upper Sirbi Elementary School; Ula Elementary School; Wines High School-Ampon Campus; Marilog National High School; and Salaysay National High School.
Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, the lead conveyor of TMS, reminded the beneficiaries of the school buildings to take care of the facilities so that the next generation could still use it.
Duterte-Carpio said Davao City has always been grateful to China, through Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jinhua, for the generosity it has shown to the city.
“This ceremonial groundbreaking is a testimony of the shared commitment of various stakeholders who prioritized the education of our youth,” the mayor said.
“Education and investing in the youth are truly a worthwhile endeavor that we, as Dabawenyos, must undertake. With partners and friends from various sectors in our city and even outside the country, I believe our children’s future will be brighter and more secure,” she said.
In a statement, Zhao said the People’s Republic of China “is very happy to extend a little donation to Davao City after it saw how the city values education.”
“Education is the key to the betterment of young people. If we provide them better education, they will have better personal lives; and the nation and the people’s future is going to be brighter,” he said.