The Israel Embassy in the Philippines took part in the Department of Education’s annual “Brigada Eskwela” and established a mini-library.
The embassy joined in the “Brigada Eskwela” at Bagong Tanyag Elementary School-Annex A in Taguig on Aug. 18 and transformed a vacant space into the Jerusalem Learning Resource Center.
The Israeli volunteers with Mayor Lani Cayetano and other officials (Photo from the Israeli Embassy)
The Israeli Embassy's head of Economic Mission Tomer Heyvi, Israeli Deputy Ambassador Esty Buzgan and Consul Moti Cohen (Photo from the Israeli Embassy)
"The Israeli Embassy has actively participated in Brigada Eskwela to support the Department of Education since 2015. With unwavering dedication, the Embassy's staff invests considerable time and effort into actively participating in this noble initiative,” said Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss.
He added, “Through this volunteer event, we connect and support the most important aspect of a country: education. We believe that we need to help one another to provide for the needs of the young generation to develop further their skills and knowledge that will impact the future of the country. Education is also so important in the Jewish ethos."
“We will remember this kindness and generosity,” Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said as she thanked the Israeli Embassy for supporting the Brigada Eskwela.
The Jerusalem Learning Resource Center has tables, bean bags, bookshelves and throw pillows. It is expected to be fully furnished with more educational materials and items such as television, wall fans, and water dispenser donated by the embassy ahead of the opening of classes.
“As my ambassador said, education is one of the most important pillars of the Jewish and Israeli culture. We encourage and are being encouraged to be curious and to ask questions. I hope bringing Jerusalem’s spirit of learning to this very school and mini library here in Taguig would help our future generations in growing and flourishing and achieving new highs and will deepen the already strong bond between our countries,” said Deputy Ambassador Esty Buzgan.
The school faculty headed by Principal Donnabel Balantac thanked the embassy.
“Your help to provide a reading space for our learners will motivate them to strive harder, to dream big, and think bigger,” she said.
The embassy staff also helped in repainting tables. Present during the event were city government officials, school faculty members, parents, and students.
Around 2,000 students are currently enrolled in the school and they will have free access to the Jerusalem Learning Resource Center.