MANILA, Philippines – Corporate foundation Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) donated 4,300 school kits to students affected by the Marawi seige on Saturday, October 7.

According to PBSP executive director Rey Laguda, the group is preparing for the recovery and rehabilitation phase.

Laguda, a former education undersecretary, said they are working with the Department of Education (DepEd), local civil society partners, and suppliers to help rebuild Marawi.

“PBSP is working with its members as well as with other private sector partners and networks to better understand how we can effectively help and support the road to recovery and rehabilitation,” Laguda said.

On Saturday, the foundation went to Sultan Conding Elementary School in Marawi City and the neighboring city’s elementary school in Saguiaran town in Lanao del Sur province. (READ: Duterte creates task force in charge of Marawi rehab)

In celebration of National Teachers’ Day, the group also prepared a small surprise for the teachers and the principals who were at the event. Laguda said apart from the two schools, 12 other schools were represented by their principals and teachers.

“We also surprised the teachers with letters of greetings as part of Teachers’ Day celebrations coming from students and fellow teachers from Metro Manila,” he said. (READ: We owe our country’s success to teachers – Briones)

Student needs

Former education secretary Brother Armin Luistro, the PBSP president, and Laguda turned over the books and the student kits. Each bag has two white shirts, a towel, and a pair of slippers.

PBSP also went to Butig town in Lanao del Sur on Friday, October 7, to donate school books in Butig Elementary School and National High School.

“This is the 4th mission, part of PBSP’s response to the Marawi crisis and as an act of solidarity with the affected people of Marawi and Lanao del Sur,” he said.  (READ: Marawi children need our help)

PBSP previously distributed non-food items to families, medicines to health centers, and held a drive for lipstick and make-up for government staff and volunteers on the frontlines.

Laguda said the kits were sponsored by Jollibee Group Foundation, AAI Worldwide Logistics Incorporated, and the Makati Business Club. He said Cebu Pacific also provided logistical support.

The books  included story books, reference books, and learning materials donated during the Manila International Book Fair by companies and private individuals.

Rebuild Marawi

The group also donated 50 sewing machines on Friday to Defense  Undersecretary Cesar Yano, Task Force Bangon Marawi’s executive director; and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officials.

The DTI already trained the recipients of the sewing machines. “This will greatly help in reviving the family income stream towards recovery,” said Laguda.

The group is also distributing 1,047 non-food items and health kits in Baloi and Pantar towns in Lanao del Norte on Saturday and Sunday, October 8.

Fighting  started between government troops and local terrorists in Marawi City on May 23, displacing hundred thousands of individuals, and prompting the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

The education department estimates that over 20,000 learners have been displaced since the clashes began. Some 2,000 students already returned to school mid-June.

On Thursday, October 5, the Senate finance committee allotted P10 billion for the rehabilitation of Marawi City in 2018.– Rappler.com