Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) joined the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) and the Department of Education in a site assessment in Brgy. Marina, Binalbagan recently, marking a significant step toward the local implementation of JGF’s Classroom Building Project.
The initiative aims to ease the chronic shortage of learning spaces in the Philippines.
The visit, which centered on Marina Elementary School (MES), brought together engineers, architects, educators, and local government officials to evaluate the feasibility of constructing JGF’s Joy Learning Center.
Representing CHMSU was Engr. Rey Ramos of the College of Engineering. He joined JGF’s Didith Rosales, program manager for Partnerships and Operations; Ar. Jayson Mesia; and Liane Amat, program officer for Visayas and Mindanao in the site assessment.
The foundation is seeking to formalize the agreement with CHMSU as a key project partner, tapping the university’s engineering expertise in monitoring the construction of the proposed facility.
CHMSU’s engagement with JGF, through the College of Engineering, aligns with its commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals). This initiative is facilitated by the Center for Internationalization and External Relations.
The collaboration reflects a broader JGF strategy of engaging academic institutions to strengthen educational infrastructure in underserved communities, the school said in a press release.
DepEd officials also accompanied the team during the site validation, including education program specialist Toni Alison Rivera and engineers Azer Muleta and Vanessa Adion.
The group met with MES School head Ma. Regina Garcia to align on the school’s current conditions and spatial needs.
The team also paid a courtesy call on Binalbagan Mayor Emmanuel Aranda and municipal engineer Patrick Mabag to brief local officials on the proposed program and to discuss the designated project site within the municipality. ||
