By Cynthia Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:38:00 07/09/2010
Filed Under: Schools, Education, Charity, Government, Politics
MANILA, Philippines -- Vice President Jejomar Binay distributed on Thursday 560 packages of school supplies and textbooks donated by movie actress Kris Aquino to students of Datu Udin Badjin Central Elementary School in Patikul, Sulu, in keeping with her promise to provide school supplies to poor students.
In a press statement sent by the Vice President to reporters in Manila, Binay thanked the sister of President Benigno Aquino III for her generosity and for promoting the importance of education to students across the country.
He expressed hope that the government could also do the same upon instituting reforms in the education system.
“With the proper reforms in our education system and in governance, we hope that soon, we will be able to extend the same assistance to all public schoolchildren,” Binay said in the statement.
He said he was satisfied with the new administration's thrust of improving the quality of public education.
Binay was accompanied in Sulu by his son, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, who donated slippers and raincoats to the schoolchildren.
Binay said he would be willing to share Makati's experience in improving the quality of education and in providing students and teachers with the needed tools for learning and teaching.
“I have always believed that education is the greatest social equalizer,” Binay said.
“When I was mayor of Makati, I ensured that the people will have access to good education. During the campaign, I said I will promote access to education for all and I am glad that President Aquino will also prioritize education during his term,” he added.
Binay said he would support the initiatives of the Aquino administration to create an excellent education system for the country.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20100709-280050/Binay-distributes-school-packages-donated-by-Kris-Aquino-in-Sulu
