To help improve learning conditions in a public school in Marilao, Bulacan, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints turned over armchairs and other essential learning equipment to Assemblywoman Felicita G. Bernardino Memorial Trade School (AFGBMTS) last 14 September 2023.
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In a turnover ceremony, the Church donated over 3,000 high-quality chairs (1,000 armchairs and 2,000 monobloc chairs), seven Smart TVs, a projector and a surround sound system to AFGBMTS. It was received by School Principal Marciano Cruz, Jr., Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Zurex Bacay and other school officials and teachers.
Representatives of the Church were also present at the event, including Elder G. Kenneth Lee of the Philippines Area Seventy, Area Self Reliance Manager Ryan Manrique, Area Management Control Auditor Rene Boy Ariola, local leaders and service missionaries, among others.
In a visit to AFGBMTS – Ariola’s alma mater – last year, he recalled how he saw several students sitting on the floor during class because of a lack of armchairs. This experience inspired him to bring the school’s educational and equipment needs to Elder Lee.
“I was fervently praying for a small donation to be approved by the Area Humanitarian Services to somehow help the children be comfortable while learning,” he recalled. He was surprised, however, that all items in his request were approved.
In a short message during the turnover, Elder Lee emphasized that the “love of God knows no background, religion, or any connections.” He added that one of the missions of the Church is to promote human welfare by helping other people, just like what the Savior Jesus Christ did and taught during his ministry.
Speaking for his peers, student-leader Miguel Mangunay expressed his gratitude to the Church, saying that the learning equipment is a blessing for both students and faculty members.
“As a leader, I assure you that the donations from the good hearts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, true instruments of our Lord, will never go to waste,” he said.
The humanitarian project at AFGBMTS, like all similar efforts in the Philippines and across the globe, illustrates the core values of the Church’s efforts to care for those in need.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides aid to people around the world without regard to cultural or religious affiliation. These humanitarian efforts help people attain self-sufficiency so they can be self-reliant long after the humanitarian project ends.