RCMN and RC Hi-Fi Donate 30 Computers to Pampanga Schools
February 13, 2009, Makati City
By Treas. Robert Syjuco, RC Makati North

On the early morning of Feb. 6, 2009, a contingent of Rotarians set off to hit the dirt roads of Magalang, Pampanga.  The group was composed of RCMNers, PE Vic Austria, PP Gus Lagman, PP Joe Reano, PP Ric dela Torre, Treas. Robert Syjuco and Baby Rotarian Danny Rayos del Sol, together with RC Hi-Fi Pres. Sonny Gancayco, PE Benito Miranda and Rtn. Cirilo Pinlac.  They reached Balitucan High School, which is located at a foothill of Mt. Arayat, to deliver 15 brand new personal computer sets.  The school is, surprisingly, in good shape and the pupils are so polite, giving justice to the town's name, Magalang.

A simple turnover ceremony, held at the school's new computer room, was highlighted by the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the school officials, RCMN, RCHF, barangay officials, for safeguarding of the equipment and representatives of the Department of Education to provide the computer-based learning format.

The donation is one-time in nature.  For sustainability, minimal fees will be charged to users to raise funds for the computers' operational maintenance and eventual replacement.  Non-students will also be  allowed to use them, specially the farmers, so they may be informed of current trends in agriculture practices and technologies, and prevailing market prices.

After a hearty merienda, we proceeded to Porac, Pampanga.  It was a long ride that lasted for about an hour and a half.  We knew then that our next destination is far since the view of Mt. Arayat slowly diminished and disappeared from our sights. We reached Pulong Santol High School and turned over our donation of the remaining 15 computers, plus 2 printers, to the welcoming school officials and students.

It was heart-warming to know that the donation will make a big difference to the public school students' education.  By having access to vast amounts of knowledge through the Internet, it will support their intellectual and social development to become more competitive and useful members of society, just like their counterparts in Metro Manila and other more progressive parts of the country.

The donation of the computers to the schools of Balitucan and Pulong Santol is just the beginning of yet a bigger undertaking of RCMN.  It is just a door opener for a far-reaching service project that will benefit the public schools of 90 other Pampanga towns in the very near future.

Good work RCMN and RCHF!