Aeta children in communities near Clark Freeport will be provided holistic development education program as Clark Development Corporation (CDC), in partnership with Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc., and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) recently opened two Pagsasarili Family Care Centers in Mabalacat, Pampanga and Bamban, Tarlac.
Located in Marcos Village, Mabalacat City and in Sto. Nino, Bamban, Tarlac, the two educational facilities will be useful in delivering quality learning experience to 55 Aeta children who are currently enrolled under the ‘Pagsasarili’ educational program. More Aeta students and children are expected to join the said program.
The newly-opened facilities are two of the five ‘Pagsasarili’ Family Care centers that will rise within the expanse of CADT 025A area.
Meanwhile, CDC Chairman Atty. Edgardo Pamintuan graced the event and led the ribbon cutting ceremony for the launching of the two facilities. In his speech, Pamintuan expressed elation for the establishment of the two learning centers.
“CDC is really willing to develop this area. Ito po ay umpisa pa lang. This is, I think, one of the projects that will really go down in history. This is a momentous event,” he said.
Former CDC Chairman, currently Chairman of Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., Jose P. De Jesus is also present during the event and conveyed his message of support on the creation of Pagsasarili Family Care Centers.
“It’s true that the idea of having a preschool project here under OB Montessori was initiated by yours truly. But you know, an idea, if it is not supported, will just die – a natural death,” De Jesus said.
“This idea was supported by the CDC Board (of Directors), then Bloomberry through PAGCOR, and of course our partner in the center, OB Montessori. This project involves many parents and the parenthood of this will pass on to the new Chairman of CDC. And the principal benefactor for this will continue to be CDC,” he added.
De Jesus also expressed his appreciation to those who extended help on the development of the project.
“I would like to say thank you to all those who believed in the idea and supported it not only with words but also with funds,” he said.
CDC Vice President for Admin and Finance Engr. Mariza O. Mandocdoc, CDC Vice President for Security Services Group Sheldon G. Jacaban, and CDC Assistant Vice President for External Affairs Rommel C. Narciso were also in attendance and represented CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan.
Also present during the event are Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Filipina C. Laureana and Operation Brotherhood Community Foundation, Inc. President Sara Francesca S. De Guzman, among others.
The ‘Pagsasarili’ program aims to provide early education, responsible parenting, livelihood skills training, feeding programs, and health services to Aeta kids and families in adjacent communities of this Freeport. (CDC Communications Division)
