Sun Life Foundation, BDO Foundation Turn Over New School Building in Tacloban

Over 700 students of Panalaron Central School in Tacloban City, Leyte can look forward to learning in a bright new environment, with the turnover of a new school building donated by Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with Banco de Oro (BDO) Foundation.

The four-classroom, two-story school building was the result of the first partnership project between Sun Life Foundation and BDO Foundation. All the classrooms are fully-equipped with armchairs, teachers’ desks, blackboards, wall fans, and toilets, ensuring that the students will immediately be able to enjoy their new place of learning.

This initiative is a part of Sun Life Foundation’s Project 120 Classrooms, which aims to help rebuild schools in areas that were affected by the Bohol earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, such as Cebu, Bohol, and Iloilo. It was launched as a way of marking Sun Life Financial’s 120th anniversary in the Philippines.

With the turnover of the new classrooms in Tacloban, the total number of classrooms donated thus far is now at 54.

“It has been years since the deadly calamities wreaked havoc in our country, but the rebuilding continues. Sun Life Foundation aims to contribute to the efforts by providing sustainable help instead of one-time donations,” Sun Life Foundation Chairman of the Board Riza Mantaring (third from left) said. “Rest assured that we will continue to lend a helping hand so they can look forward to a brighter future.”

Apart from Mantaring, the inauguration and ceremonial turnover of the school building was also graced by Sun Life Foundation President Alex Narciso, Sun Life Foundation Adviser Joub Miradora (2nd and 5th from left), Panalaron Central School Principal Filieta Waniwan, (4th from right), BDO Foundation Trustee Lazaro Jerome Guevarra, (3rd from right), and BDO Eastern Visayas Area Head Albert Chu (2nd from right).

Sun Life Foundation is the philanthropy arm of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc.