Bridgestone Philippines believes in the importance of having quality education and the development of Filipino educators in our country. As your partner in every journey, the brand continues to fulfill its commitment to society by bringing hope to vulnerable communities with our recent initiative – the newly constructed classrooms at Talogtog-Bateng Elementary School in Mangaldan, Pangasinan.
Supporting Filipino education
In 2019, Talogtog-Bateng Elementary students struggled in an unstable learning environment. Due to insufficient resources, TES teachers conducted their classes in makeshift classrooms. Teachers conducted classes either under the shade of trees or in whichever shaded area was available. Makeshift classrooms made of lumber and plywood were available, but they proved to be too small in size. “Our present structures are lacking because of the size of the classrooms,” Carmelita Sembrano, teacher and school guidance counselor of TES, admitted. The school couldn’t accommodate its student population due to the shortage of classrooms.
Their story captured the heart of Philippine Allied Enterprises Corporation (PAEC) — the official distributor of Bridgestone and Firestone tires in the Philippines. In collaboration with the Department of Education, Friends of Hope, Inc, and the brethren of Alfonso Lee Sin Memorial Lodge 158, Bridgestone Philippines started the construction and donation of a new school building for Talogtog-Bateng Elementary School.
Building hope for the future
Last May 14, 2021, Bridgestone Philippines and Talogtog-Bateng Elementary School held the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the 1-storey and 3-classroom building to be donated to the school.
Minerva Serafica, EDd, public schools district supervisor of Pangasinan, extended the school’s gratitude to its sponsors.
“You are not only building tires but you are also building bridges. With your donation, you are also building the future of our learners,” Serafica remarked during the ceremony.
The initiative also gave opportunities to their locals by generating employment for craftsmen, and carpenters.
Delivering the new HOPE classrooms
A year later, the project reached its completion.
On March 29, 2022, Bridgestone Philippines finally fulfilled its promise to TES educators and learners — the brand new one-storey school building was finally finished and turned over.
This project wouldn’t be possible without your support as Bridgestone’s loyal customers. By buying our tires, you have contributed to the dreams and hopes of the next generation.
Since face-to-face classes are more of a priority this school year, it is a great time for the students and the faculty staff to enjoy their new facilities and aside from that, Bridgestone Philippines hopes that they will take care of our donation so that the next batch of students will benefit from it.
“Bridgestone in the Philippines is committed to the education and the development of our Filipino educators,” Sir Allan Santos said on behalf of Bridgestone Philippines. The new HOPE building marks the first educational initiative of the company.
This inspiring story is an example of Bridgestone’s commitment to helping drive the Filipino community forward by helping build a better future for everyone. Don’t forget to stay tuned for more information about our upcoming projects!