Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) Thermal Group, in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation and the local government of Maco, Davao de Oro, is set to build a one-storey, two-classroom science laboratory within Maco de Oro College. Expected to be completed within the year, the building will assist scientific learning and support the academic curriculum of students.
“This is a welcome addition to our educational facilities,” said Maco de Oro College President Dr. Anthony Pol P. Fulache. “It is great to see in action the cooperation among our government and private partners to support our students to maximize their learning.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by leaders from AboitizPower Thermal Group, the Aboitiz Foundation, and the local government of Maco led by Mayor Arthur Voltaire Rimando and Vice Mayor Dr. Alvera Veronica Rimando. Maco de Oro College administrators and the Philippine Army 1001st Infantry PAG-ASA Brigade, led by Commander Col. Felix Ronnie Babac, also supported the event.
“We in AboitizPower are thrilled to make this dream possible for Maco De Oro College,” said AboitizPower Thermal Group VisMin President & COO Ronaldo Ramos.
“This is a legacy-defining project, together with our partners, Mayor and Vice Mayor Rimando. What we will do here, the science laboratory, will not just be a one-time benefit, but will benefit a whole generation of people in Maco,” he added.
Aboitiz Foundation President & COO Maribeth Marasigan emphasized how collaboration between businesses and communities is critical to the growth of both.
“At the heart of this occasion is the belief that education is the key to transformation. As we continue to evolve in an increasingly technological world, the demand for a workforce with strong STEM skills is greater than ever,” she explained. “We are proud to be partnering with AboitizPower, Maco de Oro College, and the Municipality of Maco to provide support and resources that will enhance the quality of STEM education for the students here.”
Last year, the Aboitiz Group also collaborated with Maco de Oro College in its marine protection activities, and in the implementation of coastal livelihood projects for families in the area. Maco Mayor Arthur Voltaire Rimando expressed his continued support for the programs extended to their municipality.
“As the father of this town, wala na akong ibang masasabi kundi masayang masaya talaga tayo! (As the father of this town, I have nothing else to say except that we are very happy!) We are so lucky, so fortunate, and we will always be proud of this engagement because I consider this as a lifetime achievement. Isa itong legacy, hindi na ito mawawala (This is a legacy, this will not be gone),” Rimando said.
“You (AboitizPower) have that unparalleled and unbounded courage to take a risk, because you have to invest a big amount in this very unique school… We cannot overemphasize our profound gratitude,” he added.
Upon completion of the science laboratory, around 350 students will benefit from the resources and infrastructure coming from AboitizPower’s donation.
