RP Energy turns over ‘Unang Hakbang’ Learning Center

Redondo Peninsula Energy, Incorporated (RP Energy) has turned over a unit of its pre-school Unang Hakbang Learning Center project in Castillejos, Zambales as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program in neighboring communities.

RP Energy CSR head Victor Persius Chan formally turned over the facility to the Balaybay Day Care Center V last Friday in the presence of Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez, social welfare officer Josefina Fabulayan, Barangay Balaybay chairman Arturo Manzano, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) public relations manager Armie Llamas.

RP Energy, a consortium composed of Manila Electric Co., Aboitiz Power, and Taiwan Cogeneration Corp., is set to build a 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant at the Redondo Peninsula in Barangay Cawag, Subic, Zambales, which is a part of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The new center is equipped with children’s books, toys and other playing materials, ventilators, television set and sound system, new tables and chairs, and an outdoor play pen. RP Energy promised a supply of toys and other learning materials for one year.

Chan explained that the former day care center in Balaybay was already dilapidated, and many of its teaching materials and electric fans missing.

“Early years in school are critical in establishing a good foundation for higher learning,” said Chan. “That is why we have to make sure that the five-year old kids and younger would have an enjoyable time studying in day care centers,” he added.

Mayor Dominguez lauded RP Energy for the project. “Tama ang ating motto na ‘Kayang-Kaya, Basta Sama-Sama.’ Sa tulong ng RP Energy at mga magulang na nagboluntaryong magkarpintero ay naitayo ang center na ito,” he said.

Dominguez added that the “play while you learn” concept of Unang Hakbang Learning Center can be more effective because children will be encouraged more to come to school.

“There are lots of toys and learning activities that will make their stay in the school enjoyable,” he said.

Chan said the Unang Hakbang Learning Centers are part of RP Energy’s CSR project, which aims to provide a more conducive learning environment to pre-elementary students.

RPE CSR team officer Jason Gavina also said that more Unang Hakbang Learning Centers might be established in the town if the center in Balaybay proves to be successful.

Six more Unang Hakbang Learning Centers are also scheduled for turnover in Olongapo City and in Subic, Zambales. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] Day care students listen intently to an RP Energy volunteer, as she tells a story during the ceremonial turnover of the Unang Hakbang Learning Center in Barangay Balaybay, Castillejos, Zambales. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] RP Energy officials led by CSR Manager Victor Persius Chan (center) join Casillejos Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez and village officials and students during the ceremonial turnover of an Unang Hakbang Learning Center in Barangay Balaybay, Castillejos, Zambales. Also in photo is SBMA PR Manager Armina Llamas (2nd from right). (AMD/MPD-SBMA)