In 2012, Franciscan Aid supported an application in Palawan, put forward to support the work, in education, of three members of the Melanesian Brotherhood there. We were not able to support the building part of the project, but we were able to support the purchase of educational equipment, electronics, teaching aids and supplies to enhance the learning opportunities of the novices. The Brotherhood hoped to further develop, at a later date, their educational opportunities to include First Aid training for families in the area.

Further to this support in 2012 a separate application was made in 2014 for a school in the far north of Malapascua Island.

‘…..For the rebuilding (following a devastating typhoon) the Guimbitayan Primary school pre-school and grade 1-3, situated at the north part of the island of Malapascua. The Primary School of Guimbitayan has been receiving less aid due to its location so far north compared to the other schools in Malapascua situated in the south (primary, elementary and high school) which have got plenty of aid and this is the primary reason we are focusing on helping the North Primary school which many donors don’t even know exists. We are kindly asking school supplies for each student and most importantly for student development: school educational materials for current and future children’.

Please see pictures attached from the Primary School of Guimbitayan taken on 14th May 2014, more than 6 months after the devastating typhoon Yolanda hit Malapascua.

This again was for educational equipment to support the poorer part of Malapascua Island, enabling more children to go to school and for future children to attend who cannot afford to buy their own school materials… Education is very essential for the future of the children. In this case the building and renovation of the building was supported by a different charity.

A report in late 2014 says:

‘……We are also being surrounded by boxes here however in the complete opposite and in a very good way I must say: the boxes are filled with school supplies and electronics for the school. I have ordered most things and some items have already arrived, we are now waiting for the chairs for the classroom and wires from Cebu so they can do the electricity to put in the computer, fans and TV’s in the classrooms. Then we are planning on taking the banka boat with everything up to Guimbitayan school hopefully in the next week or so, depends on delivery arrangement from Cebu. 

So, the school project is going really well, the school is very happy and so are we! We went up a few days ago with the cement wood and nails to the school, I have attached some pictures for now.’

Top right: The School before renovations after the typhoon.

Bottom:  Working on the renovation of the school in 2014

Top Middle: What a transformation

Top left:  And here we are learning at last

2019. The School which is on the sea front, after renovations are complete