Children
of Tag-amakan, Asturias, Cebu enjoy their new indigenous
playground that came along with their new day care center. |
RAFI turns over 13
day care centers in Cebu
By Ramon Aboitiz Foundation
Inc.
August 31, 2015
CEBU CITY – In
partnership with the concerned local government units, the Ramon
Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) turned over 13 day care centers and
child-friendly indigenous playgrounds in several Cebu towns July and
August this year.
Through the Dolores Aboitiz
Children’s Fund (DACF), RAFI handed new day care centers to officials
of Barangays Owak, Manguiao, San Isidro, Tag-amakan, and Lunas in
Asturias town last July 1 and 2; Barangays Punay, Tampaan, Saksak, and
Zaragosa in Aloguinsan town last July 22 and 23; Barangay Cansojong in
Talisay City last July 24; and Barangays Bulasa, Talaga, and Usmad in
Argao town last August 24.
“RAFI donated only a portion
in this project. The bulk of the expenses was shouldered by your town
and your barangay. I hope that before 2016 we are already done with
all these projects,” said RAFI Chief Operating Officer Chua during one
of the turnover ceremonies in Asturias.
DACF supports early
childhood care and development, as 80 percent of the child’s brain
development happens between ages three to six.
Maria Iris Andrino,
RAFI-DACF executive director, also thanked the town and barangay
officials for spending time and effort to realize the partnership.
“I am glad nga nagtinabangay
ang tanan (all did their part to help)”, she said.
The classrooms were painted
with light colors and the wall outside showed different cartoon
characters and flower designs. Always, after every turn over, the
children would rush inside their classroom and sit on their little
chairs, a smile painted on their faces.
But what pupil Ma. Khyshagen
B. Adlawan of Brgy. Talaga loved about her new classroom is that there
is a playground where she could spend time with her friends after
their class.
“It is not a case of giving
money but how to give it. It’s really a great feeling seeing the big
happy smiles in children’s faces,” also said Romy Ronquillo, RAFI
Board of Trustees member.