For over a decade now, associates from Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) Iloilo have been volunteering in the Brigada Eskwela program of the Department of Education, helping repair and prepare public elementary and high school classrooms and other facilities before the opening of classes. This is to help ensure that these structures are ready for the students upon the start of the school year.
Last May 25, over 30 volunteers from Coca-Cola Iloilo plant and distribution center trooped to the Mayor Gerardo Gorriceta Sr. Memorial School in Cabugao Norte, Pavia, Iloilo to wholeheartedly lend a hand in the cleaning and painting of the main gate, entrance pathway, and school façade; in the painting of chairs for one Grade III Classroom; and to donate cleaning materials and liquid hand soap to support the school’s hand-washing program.
“Iloilo has long played a big part in Coca-Cola’s story in the country,” said Paz Pollentes, Iloilo Plant’s Manufacturing Executive . “As a way of expressing our thanks and giving back, we actively involve ourselves in worthwhile efforts such as Brigada Eskwela. Volunteerism has always been a fundamental part of our culture at Coca-Cola. The motivation comes from purpose or, as we say it, ‘why we are inspired to work.’ We want to create a positive impact through advocacies.”
Pollentes adds, “We firmly believe in the value of education, and in giving kids a conducive environment for learning. By taking part in Brigada Eskwela, we hope to have made a lasting difference in the lives of our potential leaders of tomorrow.”
Throughout the Coca-Cola system, thousands of CCBPI associates nationwide actively volunteer their time and resources to positively contribute to programs and projects on education, health, and livelihood, and environment conservation.
As a company, CCBPI ensures that it leaves a lasting positive impact in its host-communities, as it works toward continuously strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders through environmentally- and socially-conscious policies. #
All in a day’s work: CCBPI Brigada Eskwela volunteers pose for posterity, following a productive and fulfilling day of volunteering at the Mayor Gerardo Gorriceta Sr. Memorial School.