Basilan children continue to receive assistance from NGOs

Basilan children continue to receive assistance from NGOs
By Danny Escabarte
PIA News Agency
August 23, 2010

Basilan (23 August) -- Aid for Basilan children withstood recurring violence that haunt the island province as it continue to send to school 535 indigent youngsters at Lamitan National High School in Basilan. One hundred seventy-five (175) of them will be finishing secondary education this school year, while 292 are in 3rd year and 68 in the 2nd year high school respectively.

"I was still in Grade II when ABC included me and other classmates in the project. Now, with barely months to go, we will be finishing high school with excitement and joy," Geejay Paculdo disclosed. She was among the 535 school children assisted under the ABC Project of PhilAm Foundation in the aftermath of the Abu Sayyaf's violent siege of Lamitan in June 2001. "In behalf of the children of Lamitan, I say thank you very much to PhilAm Foundation for the ABC Project," Geejay added.

Several civilians, military men and Abu Sayyafs were killed during the siege of the town, aside from properties destroyed including St. Peter's Parish Church that was badly damaged as a result of the destructive attack of the extremist group. Classes were also suspended forcing children to stay at home for safety purposes.

Just recently, a PhP1.5M check has been turned over by Philam Chair Jose Cuisia to PBSP Chair Manuel V. Pangilinan to fund the 9th year Aid for Basilan Children or ABC project being implemented by PBSP (Philippine Business for Social Progress) in Basilan Island. (PIA-Caraga)