As the nation commemorates the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) stands tall not just in remembrance but in its unwavering commitment to championing education, echoing the same values Rizal held dear.
At the heart of FFCCCII’s endeavors lies “Operation: Barrio Schools,” a pioneering initiative mirroring Rizal’s belief in the power of education.
Operation: Barrio Schools, a remarkable testament to FFCCCII’s dedication, stands as the Philippines’ largest private-sector-driven school construction program. Addressing the pressing classroom shortage across the nation, this initiative involves constructing two-classroom buildings in public schools throughout all regions.
These constructions are made possible through donations from FFCCCII members and the generosity of benevolent organizations, families, and individuals within the Chinese-Filipino community.
From the inception of Operation: Barrio Schools in 1961 during President Carlos P. Garcia’s tenure, it has been an unwavering beacon of hope, fostering education and amplifying healthcare access across the nation. Over the years, this initiative gained momentum, reaching an incredible feat of constructing 5,986 school buildings by January 2021, equating to a remarkable 11,972 classrooms.
The impact of this monumental effort resonates across the archipelago, with regions benefitting from these educational structures:
Region I – 517 school buildings spanning Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.
Region II – 426 school buildings in Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.
Region III – 949 school buildings encompassing Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.
Region IV-A – 757 school buildings in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal.
Region IV-B – 240 school buildings in Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, and Palawan.
Completing the list:
Region V – 384 school buildings
Region VI – 584 school buildings
Region VII – 371 school buildings
Region VIII – 516 school buildings
Region IX – 122 school buildings
Region X – 299 school buildings
Region XI – 123 school buildings
Region XII – 174 school buildings
BARMM – 97 school buildings
NCR – 337 school buildings
CAR – 53 school buildings
CARAGA – 80 school buildings
Celebrating Rizal Day, the legacy of Operation: Barrio Schools echoes Rizal’s commitment to education and progress. From the Cordilleras to the National Capital Region, and across the scenic coasts of Bicol to the vibrant shores of Mindanao, this initiative continues to embody the essence of Rizal’s vision for a brighter, more educated Philippines.
FFCCCII’s unwavering commitment to education mirrors Rizal’s advocacy for knowledge as the catalyst for national progress. Through Operation: Barrio Schools, the organization not only erects physical structures but also builds bridges to a brighter, more empowered future for Filipino youth.