31 public schools in Gen. Trias receive P80-M aid from Intel Foundation

MANILA, Philippines - Thirty-one public schools in General Trias town in Cavite province will receive a P80 million cash donation from Intel Foundation, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said Tuesday. Lapus said that through Intel Involved Volunteer Matching Grant Program (IIMGP) funds generated in the first two years of implementation, the 31 public schools in General Trias have built 24 new classrooms and two multipurpose halls; renovated 17 classrooms; created one speech laboratory, 44 new comfort rooms, two new clinics, five new libraries, five new science and five computer laboratories. “A total of 350 new computer units have also been purchased by the schools,” he said. Lapus added that for school year 2007-2008, Intel Philippines employees logged a total more than 480,742 volunteer hours, equivalent to approximately P80 million in cash grants. “The key to achieving education for all is to increase access of the poor to affordable basic education through technology. This will not only democratize access to quality learning but also increase the competitiveness of our public school students,” Lapus said. Recently, President Arroyo and Lapus witnessed the ceremonial turnover of approximately P80 million in cash grants to the 31 recipient schools by Intel Philippines Managing Director Michael Wentling. The event was the highlight of the National Competitiveness Council Meeting, convened by President Arroyo in Malacañang. Intel considers the grant a social investment on students in the community. The IIMGP is a corporate social responsibility initiative of Intel that aims to motivate Intel employees to engage in volunteerism in communities where Intel facilities are located. Intel Philippines started implementing IIMGP since 2004. - GMANews.TV