Since February 2009, APO-Eta Chapter alumni members, affiliates and supporters (mostly from the 1980s and 1970s) have turned over multimedia desktop computers to selected elementary schools in Miagao, Iloilo Philippines. Funds, computer hardware, software, and children’s books mostly came from brods and sis from the USA. Funds were collected by Brod Alex Tamayo in the US and Brod Andy de los Reyes in the Philippines. Hardware and books were sent by Sis Melody Ang-Gayon and Brod Honeyboy Fajota. The turnover of computer units from the latter donor is being planned. By the school opening in June, three brand new and two second hand computer systems were turned over to the following elementary enclaves:

1. Doane Christian Fellowship Academy, 52 students

2. Miagao West Central Elementary School, 560 sudents

3. Guibongan-Igtuba Elementary School, 530 students

Recently, two desktop computer units were donated by Brod Vicente Mayor, Eta Chapter, Batch 1964-A (Four Horsemen). Brod Tito sent the computers from New Jersey, as he was preparing to return to the Philippines for good. Speakers were bought to complete the multimedia package. The units were donated to a previous recipient, the Igtuba-Guibongan Elementary School. The school caters to the primary education needs of poor farming families of Miagao. Teachers of the school were highly appreciative of the donation. Principal Celsa Negrido plans to invite Etans for the opening of their computer education program. Her representative can be reached at cellphone 0929-4837-608 for further information. Image below is the handing of certificates of appreciation for this particular donation.

Almost a decade ago Brod Sinfronio Balderama, Batch 1963-A (7-7 Bulbas of the APO Cossacks), began this practice of donating infotech-based hardware support to educational institutions in Iloilo. In 2000 Brod Frony donated a brand new computer and printer to UP Visayas, Miagao Campus. The advocacy and physical presence of an Etan teaching at UPV has helped facilitate and monitor these kinds of education-related service projects.

The APO-Eta experience in Miagao, Iloilo has attracted multisectoral support from Parent-Teacher’s Associations, local government, and NGOs (e.g. Rotary Club) who have provided counterpart labor or financial support. These initiatives improve the reputation of APO collegiate chapters in Iloilo Province and, provide a training ground in the conduct of off-campus service projects. It illustrates that APO-Eta service projects need not be high-profile and expensive to achieve inter-generational unity, cooperation among various stakeholders, sustainability and success.