The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the country’s transmission system operator, continues the work of empowering communities through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, benefiting 13,722 residents in various host provinces since it began officially operating in 2009.
For 2023, several social infrastructure projects are lined up, starting with classroom buildings whose locations will be finalized in coordination with the Department of Education.
“Social responsibility is an essential component of NGCP’s corporate culture, and this is the reason why we established our Corporate Initiatives and Advocacies Division or CIAD – our CSR arm – to respond to the development needs of our partner communities through projects that help improve the residents’ quality of life, build up their capabilities and protect the environment, as well,” Ada Lopez, head of NGCP’s Corporate Initiatives and Advocacies Division, explained.
According to Lopez, a total of 130 social infrastructure projects were built to date such as footbridges; multipurpose halls that also serve as evacuation centers; classroom buildings; learning centers; multipurpose covered courts; industrial arts buildings; and water systems including drainage repair and area backfilling in various host communities.
Since 2017, NGCP constructed 39 computer laboratories utilized by some 6,240 learners and 273 teachers located in 25 provinces across the country. In the last three years, 16 health centers located in 14 provinces were constructed including the most recent one turned over in January for Barangay Zone 1 in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
Among those who greatly benefited from the social infrastructure projects are the learners and faculty of Binugao Central Elementary School in Toril District in Davao City through an airconditioned computer laboratory building that was turned over in June last year. Equipped with WiFi, 25 laptops, a router, two printers plus chairs and computer tables, the lab can accommodate 25 users.
According to Binugao Central Elementary’s ICT coordinator Shelly Abenoja, the lab is instrumental in improving the skills of learners in working with software programs, completing assignments, interacting with teachers, and developing other skills in preparation for future job opportunities.
“Aside from textbooks and worksheets, technology provides teachers with more tools to support students and help them develop a better understanding of the material,” said Abenoja, explaining that the computer laboratory was very helpful during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic especially with the implementation of “blended learning” that enabled the creation of “Google classrooms” where teachers can post modules and students can send in their activities and output.
In Barangay Calean in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, the learners and teachers of J. Hector Lacson Elementary School also felt the positive impact of the two-classroom school building donated by NGCP.
According to Meresa Bacea, who was the school principal from 2018 to January 2023, a fire razed a two-classroom building in 2020, displacing learners whose parents mostly work as farmers or laborers. NGCP, being its neighbor and supporter of various programs to its students, was approached for assistance. After a series of virtual meetings and upon completion of the required documentation, the plans were finalized within a month and the building was constructed in less than 90 calendar days.
“The building is conducive to learning with enough lights and ventilation. Aside from being used as instructional rooms, it can also serve as a function hall for official meetings or gatherings that can accommodate about 100 persons. The school building is very useful for the community,” remarked Bacea, disclosing that K to 3 learners also received school supplies from NGCP.
“We are not just a transmission facility. We aim to be a partner in nation-building by helping light up the future of Filipinos through our social infrastructure projects that provide access to education and healthcare services. We support progress and development in partnership with stakeholders who share our vision of empowering host communities,” said Lopez.
The CSR head affirms that they will keep undertaking CSR projects in said areas, with the total support to CSR amounting to PhP2.5 billion since 2009, to improve the quality of life of Filipinos as part of their commitment to helping the country achieve sustainable growth and progress.