PwC turns over new "Philam Paaralan" school building and GK houses in Eastern Visayas

Officials of Philam Foundation, Alangalang Mayor and students pose in front of the Philam Paaralan school building. Each classroom receives 50 "Seat of Hope" school chairs. 

 

Isla Lipana & Co., through the Isla Lipana & Co. Foundation, Inc. (ILCFI) turned over two community projects in towns hit by Typhoon 'Haiyan' in Eastern Visayas.

In Alangalang, Leyte, the firm formally turned over a three-classroom school building to faculty and students of Alangalang Elementary School in August. The school building, called "Philam Paaralan" was built in partnership with the Philam Foundation, Inc. (PFI), the corporate responsibility arm of the Philam Group of Companies. .

The newly-built school also received 150 school chairs, teachers' tables and chairs from the ILCFI "Seat of Hope" Project. The donations were purchased from Tahanang Walang Hagdanan.

Witnessing the turnover ceremony were Isla Lipana & Co. Assurance and Markets Director Allan Cao, Philippine Stock Exchange President and CEO Hans Sicat, PFI CEO Axel Bromley, and PFI Executive Director Max Ventura.

In Lawaan, Esatern Samar, the firm turned over to 20 families, keys to their houses in what is now called the "Isla Lipana GK Village". Volunteers from our firm participated in building these houses as part of the 'sweat equity' that Gawad Kalinga or GK villages are known for. Our people traveled to Lawaan in October 2014 and in February 2015 for the GK house-build activity.

Jit and his family who lost their coastal home evacuated to his parent's house when the typhoon struck. He had no means to rebuild their house, but today, he and fellow beneficiaries are happily settled in their sturdy new homes painted in PwC colors. Jit and family own the key to Isla Lipana GK Village 'house number 1".

A very thankful Jit says, "Hindi po kami humnigi ng tulong sa inyo, pero kayo po ang nagkusang lumapit at tumulong sa amin. 'Di niyo kami kilala, pero biniyayaan nyo kami ng bagong bahay. Sana po mas pagpalain pa ng Diyos ang kumpanya ninyo. Maraming salamat po!" (We didn't ask for help and yet you wholeheartedly approached and helped us. You do not know us, but you blessed us with this new house. May the Lord continue to bless more your company. Thank you very much!")

The funds used in the construction of the "Philam Paaralan" school and "Gawad Kalinga" houses in these towns came from donations received from our Partners and employees and from PwC offices around the world. We thank everyone for their generosity and kind hearts!

 

Houses in Isla Lipana GK Village in Lawaan, Eastern Samar sport colorful PwC colors. Assurance and Markets Director Allan Cao and Lawaan Vice Mayor Raul Gade lead the turnover ceremonies with the beneficiaries. 

Contact us

Edwin Padillo

Markets Senior Manager, PwC Philippines

Tel: +63 (2) 8845 2728