PNOY's PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP STRATEGY GAINING GROUND IN ALBAY…AGAPP, PPBCV volunteers launch pre-school education programs


LEGAZPI CITY — Partnership between the public and private sectors is gaining more grounds in the local scene following the launching of the AGAPP (Aklat, Gabay at Aruga tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa) program and site visitation of prospective area-beneficiaries in two barangays, one in this city and the other in Daraga town, last Tuesday (September 7).

In a press conference held at the Legazpi City Airport Tuesday morning (September 7), AGAPP program Executive Director Arch. Jerry Esquivel, long-time friend of President Benigno S. Aquino III, said the AGAPP program gives importance and support to public-private collaboration pursued by the present administration in the implementation of development projects in different parts of the country.

The partnership, according to Esquivel, manifests the President’s faith on the private sector whom he believe is equipped with the experience, expertise and financial capabilities to properly and efficiently carried out projects in support of government’s thrust to provide basic social services to the populace, especially on education.

In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Aquino identified PPPs as a strategy to finance government projects like infrastructure and basic services through the assistance of the private sector.

Dr. Ofelia Samar-Sy, head of the Pinoy Power Bicol Coalition of Volunteers (PPBCV), meanwhile said
Ms. Pinky Aquino-Abellada, sister of President Aquino is one of the key players in pursuing the AGAPP program that basically focuses on pre-school education development in different parts of the country.

Sy averred that the AGAPP volunteers will implement pre-school education program in Taysan Elementary School (Taysan Resettlement Integrated School) in Barangay Taysan, this city and Anislag Elementary School in Barangay Anislag, Daraga Town.

“Both barangays are home to some residents from this city and Daraga town who were relocated following the disaster brought about by super typhoons, and communities previously residing within Mayon Volcano 6-kilometer permanent danger zones susceptible to volcanic eruption, lahar and mud flows, flash flood, and landslides,” elaborated Sy.

“AGAPP and PPBC volunteers already held site visitations in the said barangays, coordinating with local government officials and school administrators in preparation for the implementation of the program in their respective areas,” Sy added.

Sy further explained that the project involves building pre-school classroom, library, and providing teacher’s training for pre-school teachers in selected localities nationwide. It will also provide books and other reading materials, feeding program for children, and livelihood projects for mothers.

AGAPP is an organization composed of very dedicated classmates of P’Noy aimed at uplifting the quality of pre-school education in order to help kids lead more successful adult lives.

AGAPP convenors have worked closely with volunteer groups, including PPBCV, and Department of Education (DepEd) to identify schools with the utmost need or communities in dire needs of access to education.

Albay and Quezon City are the two pilot areas for the project. AGAPP is also hoping to have local participation from school parents and other concerned citizens. (MALoterte, PIA V)