Ang Magiting - The Official Web Site of Rotary Club Makati North

RCMN and RC Historic Filipinotown turn over 30 Computers to Pampanga High Schools

By: Treas. Robert Syjuco

It was a historic event for RCMN, a long time significant contributor to the Rotary Foundation, finally got another contribution from TRF for a change. Thru the hard work of PP Gus Lagman and Pres Klink, the TRF matching grant and the generosity of RC Historic Filipinotown (Hi-Fi) of Los Angeles California, the donation of 30 brand new computers to 2 far off high schools in Pampanga was made possible.

On the early morning of Feb. 6, an entourage of RCMNers, PE Vic Austria, PP Gus Lagman, PP Joe Reano, PP Ric dela Torre, Treas. Robert Syjuco and newbie Danny Rayos del Sol, along with RC Hi-Fi Pres. Sonny Gancayco, PE Benito Miranda and Rtn. Cirilo Pinlac we all set off to the dirt roads of Magalang, Pampanga, and reached Balitucan High School and literally delivered 15 new computers to the foothill of Mt. Arayat. It was a surprisingly good looking high school, and the pupils were so polite, it gave justice to the town’s name, Magalang.

There were the usual turn over ceremonies and speeches in the new computer room, as well as the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the school officials, RCMN, RCHF, barangay officials ( to safeguard the equipment) and Dept. of Education (to give the educational format). It was pointed out that the donation is one-time in nature, and to attain sustainability, a minimal fee would be charged to users to enable a fund for maintenance and eventual replacement to be set up. Outsiders would be allowed to use them, most specially farmers, so that they can be informed of current trends, technology and prices in agriculture.

After a hearty merienda, we then set off to Porac Pampanga. It was a looong ride, about an hour and half more, as the view of Mt. Arayat became smaller and smaller. We finally reached Pulong Santol High School, and did the same thing, and turned over the remaining 15 new computers plus 2 printers to the school.

It was a heart warming feeling to know that the donation will make a big difference to the schools, especially with internet access. It would bring them at par with Manila as far as access to limitless information is concerned. Being a pilot project, it was but just a door opening, an example for the rest of the 90 other Pampanga towns next in line. Good work RCMN and RC HI-FI!