About Town | Coca-Cola Iloilo Volunteers in Brigada Eskwela
For ten years running now, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) Iloilo associates have been
joining the Brigada Eskwela program of the Department of Education, repairing and preparing public elementary and high school classrooms and
other facilities just before the opening of school classes. This endeavor is in preparation for the influx of students for the coming 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. #
