Mahintana Foundation, through its Chairs-for-Trees program, funded by KI Fresh Access and Dole Philippines, Inc., conducted a turnover ceremony at Sumilil Gymnasium, Brgy. Sumilil, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat. During the event, 50 and 150 armchairs were donated to Sumilil Elementary School and Sumilil National High School, respectively.
The activity began with a ceremonial tree-planting activity along the riverside and behind the Barangay Hall. as a reciprocating initiative for the chairs donated. Members of the Bagumbayan Task Force Kalikasan, Kalikasan, Kaligtasan (BTF3K) committee were also present to support the Chairs for Trees project.
During the program, Project Officer Aldric Relator, representing Mahintana Foundation, emphasized the importance of caring for both the donated chairs and the seedlings given to the community of Brgy. Sumilil, highlighting that the project not only supports education but also environmental preservation.
Mr. Erwin Balogo, Dolefil Community Relations Superintendent, representing the Dole Philippines, Inc., stressed the significance of education and encouraged children to strive for greater achievements. Mr. Balogo urged the community to take care of the environment by nurturing the 10,570 seedlings donated, not only for the potential fruit harvest but also to protect their households from calamities and disasters.
Sumilil Elementary School Principal, Maam Suellen Betito, and Sumilil National High School Principal, Maam Janissa De Pedro, expressed their deep gratitude to KIFA, Dole Philippines, and Mahintana Foundation for the chairs and seedlings given to their students. They also expressed anticipation for future programs and committed to fully supporting initiatives related to education and environmental preservation.
Mayor Neng De Pedro shared her experiences of how the children of Brgy. Sumilil have greater hopes today, thanks to the support from Dole Philippines and Mahintana Foundation. She encouraged the community to take care of the donated chairs and seedlings and reminded students to appreciate the opportunities provided by the local government unit and private stakeholders. She expressed her gratitude to KIFA, Dole Philippines, Inc., and Mahintana Foundation, Inc., considering them as new family members of the municipality of Bagumbayan. She hoped for more partnerships and collaborations with Dole Philippines and Mahintana Foundation.
The activity concluded with a visit to the schools, where students expressed their gratitude for the new armchairs, no longer having to worry about broken chairs with protruding nails.
