1st barangay learning hub in Bataan inaugurated

CITY of BALANGA, Bataan – Aimed at providing free, world-class education to students, the city government of Balanga and the Multi-Sectoral Governance Coalition (MSGC) launched the first-ever barangay learning hub in the province in Brgy. Doña Francisca, this City yesterday.

“Makatutulong nang malaki ang learning hub na ito sa mga estudyante, even sa mga out of school youth para madevelop pa ang skills nila and eventually, this can also help them in applying for work dahil dito pa lang ma-te-train na sila,” said Dr. Ariel Ilaya, MSGC president. “It is our pilot project, and sooner, hopefully, we will also put up in other barangays,” he added.

MSGC or the Ugnayang Balangueño represents the different sectors of Balanga City such as business, professionals, academe, sports, peace and order, agriculture and health.

Meanwhile, Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia III, in congratulating all the people behind the success of this undertaking disclosed that this event symbolizes everything that they have been working for.

The hardworking Mayor likewise noted that this project is aligned with the vision of Balanga that is the University Town 2020, now termed as Knowledge-Based Business.

Barangay Mentors Society Adviser Francis Anthony Garcia, in his message explained how the said learning hub will operate: “Dito, magrerely tayo sa isang software na libre that is called “Khan Academy.” Kahit walang internet ay mag-wo-work ito. Almost lahat ng concepts ay nandito na.”

Lea Joy Santos, president of the Association of College Scholars of Balanga City, affirmed that this hub will be of great help to them, saying “Yung pagkakaroon po ng Barangay Learning Hub ay makakatulong saming mga estudyante lalo na po sa mga walang kakayanang makapag-access sa learning facilities. At sana po ay madagdagan pa ito upang makatulong sa marami.”

With the theme, “We share. We connect. We educate,” Mr. Rudy de Mesa, Balanga City administrator, said that hand-in-hand they worked together for the success of this hub inauguration, disclosing all the donors such as the Bataan Kidney Dialysis Center, Pizarro Clinic, Bataan Hosts Lions Club, United Architects of the Philippines, Bataan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (BACCII), Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers, Mayor Joet and the City Council, COB Department Heads, Department of Education, GenPact who donated computers and other civic groups.

“Kung kakayanin namin, tutulong at tutulong kami,” said Mr. Danilo Reyes, Country Manager of GenPact.

The blessing was led by Rev. Fr. Abraham Pantig of the Diocese of Balanga while the ribbon cutting was spearheaded by Mayor Joet Garcia, Mr. Francis Garcia and Dr. Ilaya.