Villanueva, Misamis Oriental – Presidential daughter Evangelina Lourdes “Luli” Macapagal-Arroyo cited the strong support of STEAG State Power Inc (SPI) to efforts geared toward community development and sustainable environment.
 
This developed as Ms Arroyo made a visit recently to the various social and environmental programs supported and initiated by the company in its host communities in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City.
 
During her visit, Ms. Arroyo led local government and private sector leaders during a tree-growing activity and symbolic release of the serpent eagle at the 1,200 hectare Mapawa Reforestation Project in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City.
 
Considered as Mindanao’s first “Carbon Sink”, the project forms part of the company’s commitment to a worldwide campaign to help protect the environment. The project is implemented in partnership with the Environmental Management Bureau and the E. Pelaez Ranch Inc.
 
In Villanueva town where SPIs newly completed Mindanao Power Plant is located, Ms. Arroyo also led the distribution of the more than 2,300 study chairs that finally puts to closure the gap between students and chairs in all public schools in Villanueva. She likewise led the distribution of some P250,000 worth of science and laboratory equipment to several public schools in the area.
 
In the nearby town of Tagoloan, Ms. Macapagal led other local government officials and PHIVIDEC locator industries in the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of the new Mohon Elementary School.
 
Mayor Bambi Emano of Tagoloan said that the project has been initiated in support of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s program to have an elementary school in all barangays in the country. Notably, Mohon is the only barangay in Tagoloan that does not have an elementary school. With funding support from companies located at the PHIVIDEC area, the school will be opened initially to Grades 1 – 3 students starting next school year.
 
Ms. Arroyo also noted the strong LGU-Private Sector partnership in the area as she expressed gratitude for development efforts initiated in support of her mother’s ten-point agenda.
 
She underscored the importance of private sector’s participation in community development and environmental protection. “Being part of the community, we are responsible for each other” Ms. Arroyo said.