Alsons Power Group, through its Maasim-based Sarangani
Energy Corporation and Siguil Hydro Power Corporation, has officially turned
over its first Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Center in Sarangani,
marking a significant step forward in its ongoing commitment to advancing
community development through education.
Alsons Power Group,
through its Maasim-based Sarangani Energy Corporation and Siguil Hydro Power
Corporation, has officially turned over its first Early Childhood Care and
Development (ECCD) Center in Sarangani, marking a significant step forward in
its ongoing commitment to advancing community development through education.
Located in Barangay Amsipit, the new ECCD facility provides a dedicated, safe
space for preschoolers to begin their formal learning journey.
The 48-square-meter center was built in partnership with the
Local Government of Maasim and Barangay Amsipit officials, with the Mad family
generously donating the land for the project. The facility is expected to
benefit more than 50 children from Sitio Tahakayo and nearby Sitios Lebe,
Makmal, Kabkal, and Titip.
Johny Mad recalled how, years ago, children in the sitio had
to make do with informal and makeshift spaces for learning, often left behind
by limited access and resources
His voice quivered as he addressed the crowd during the
turnover ceremony, pausing briefly as if holding back tears.
“Ingon sa akong mga kaila, ako daw ibaligya ning yuta…
ngano ako lang man daw ihatag? Gitubag nako sila… kung ako ning ibaligya
mahurot man dayon na. Ihatag na lang nako kay ang itukod ani sobra pa sa kwarta
nga hangtud mawala nako aning kalibutana mapahimuslan pa sa daghang kabataan,”
said land donor Johny Mad.
(“Some of my acquaintances told me I should sell this land —
why give it away?” Mad recounted. “I told them that if I sold it, whatever
money I earn would eventually be spent. But if I donate it, what will be built
here is worth far more than money — something that will continue to benefit
many children even long after I am gone.”)
While Alsons Power has long been known for delivering
reliable and affordable energy to Mindanao, the company emphasized during the
ceremony that powering communities goes beyond electricity.
“When we build a power plant, we help energize homes and
businesses. But when we build an ECCD Center, we help build dreams,” said Jose
Luis R. Angco, Senior Vice President and Business Manager for Generations.
“Education is as much a necessity as electricity. It’s what lays the foundation
for a better quality of life.”
The focus on early childhood is a strategic move. While
Alsons Power has long supported high school and college scholars, the company
recognized the gap in the earliest, most critical years of development. In many
rural areas, "classrooms" for pre-schoolers are often makeshift or
non-existent.
The support won’t stop at the physical building. Through the
Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc., the company will also provide
capacity-building training for ECCD teachers and volunteers to ensure the
quality of instruction matches the new facility.
“This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we
come together with a shared vision for our children’s future,” said Vice
President for Corporate Services Maria Jiji Q. Lara. “We are committed to
building opportunities where they are needed most. For us, investing in these
children is the best way to invest in the future of the communities we
serve.”
About Alsons Power Group
Alsons Power is the power business unit of the Alcantara
Group, a Mindanao-focused enterprise with strategic investments in energy,
agriculture, and real estate.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
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