In 2019, students of the Talogtog-Bateng Elementary School in Mangaldan, Pangasinan were struggling to learn in makeshift classrooms made of lumber and plywood—a short-term solution given the lack of resources. These classrooms would get flooded during the rainy season and become extremely hot come summertime.
This story caught the attention of Bridgestone Philippines, who pledged to build a better infrastructure for the students of Talogtog-Bateng Elementary School.
Last March, Talogtog-Bateng Elementary School finally received its brand new classrooms. The completed buildings are expected to help both students and the nearby communities in Mangaldan.
Bridgestone’s Marketing Manager and project lead Allan Santos led the ceremonial turnover of the school building last March 29. The event was attended by the school’s faculty and staff, including the principal, Alma V. Jomer, as well as representatives from the Department of Education.
This initiative was made possible with the collaboration of individuals, organizations, businesses, and NGOs. Motorists who purchased Bridgestone tires contributed to the funding of the classroom, while the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines’ Alfonso Lee Sin Memorial Lodge 158 will provide learning tools such as chairs, desks, and modules.