Officials of business chambers and the Department of Education held a ceremonial turnover and blessing ceremony for two public school buildings at the Buenavista Central Elementary School (BCES) multi-purpose hall and school grounds in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte province on June 4, 2024.
Representatives from Buenavista LGU led by Mayor Joselito Roble; the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) from Manila represented by vice president Antonio Cosing; the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Agusan Inc. (FCCCAI) headed by president John Derrick Ngo; and the Department of Education, represented by Dr. Hector Macalalag, assistant schools division superintendent attended the event.
The donation included two buildings, one with two classrooms and another with three, providing a total of five new classrooms.
Key donors, father and son Dr. Michael Lui and Bonifacio Lui of FCCCAI were acknowledged for their generosity.
“These two school buildings will serve as stepping stones for children to achieve their dreams, whether they aspire to become doctors, engineers, teachers, or even the President.” Dr. Lui said.
Roble welcomed the contribution and highlighted its significant impact on the students’ learning environment. He also invited potential investors to consider Buenavista for future projects.
“Thank you for choosing us as your beneficiary. Your contribution will make a meaningful change in the lives of those people we promised to serve,” Roble said.
Cosing said the Filipino-Chinese community has donated over 6,000 school buildings nationwide, including 32 in Agusan del Norte, underscoring their belief in supporting the youth.
Ngo expressed his gratitude to the donors–Dr. Michael Lui and Bonifacio Lui as well as Engr. Anecito Bonpin, who donated one unit. He also thanked the members of the Filipino Chinese Chamber for their generous funding of the project, and acknowledged the efforts of LGU Buenavista, led by Mayor Roble, and the SB members for their financial contribution and smooth facilitation of the project’s stages.
“Though we have Chinese ancestry, we are Filipinos, and we are dedicated to giving back to our community and society. This contribution reflects our unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing and innovative environment for our students. This building symbolizes the growth and development of our students,” Ngo said.
Ngo said the FFCCCII embraces the theme “Dugong Tsino, Pusong Pinoy” as they celebrate 70 years of commerce, philanthropy and progress.”
