The school year may have ended, but celebrations are still alive as the employee volunteers from GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD) and GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co (GMEC) shared their birthdays with the 42 talented members of Mt. View Elementary School’s Banda Kawayan.
With the aim to uplift the youth development while enriching our musical culture and preserving the roles of ethnic cultures, specifically the bamboo orchestra of Mt. View, this month’s leg of Project Saysay featured 14 birthday celebrators were greeted with a doxology performance from the students. It was then followed by the welcome remarks of GNPD Community Social Responsibility (CSR) Superintendent Joseph Paolo Mendoza. Abigail Jacinto, Program Supervisor of GMEC CSR, also took the stage to shed light on the aims and background of Project Saysay. AVP for Community Relations Arcel Madrid also provided a message of inspiration to the students, parents, and teachers present at the event.
The event was also participated by the 36 children under the Kiddie Crew program GMEC and GNPD, another company initiative that aims to teach the employees’ children about healthy work ethics while nurturing family ties within the company.
Showing his support for the company’s advocacy was President and CEO Dennis B. Jordan, who expressed his gratitude to the employee volunteers, parents, and teachers, and emphasized on the importance of supporting the talent of the children as he recalled his moment as a student, “Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga teachers na nagtiyaga talaga para turuan kami nang maayos at sa mga magulang who were always there.”
Jordan also left an inspiring message to the students, “Tapusin ninyo ang pag-aaral ninyo… sa mga kabataan natin, please make sure you put in the right work.”
Furthermore, he serenaded the audience with a duet with AVP for SHES-RAD Carisa Sari while Banda Kawayan performed more songs, including their own rendition of the classic Leron, Leron, Sinta and Happy Birthday for the employees.
The children were also encouraged to join the games prepared by the volunteers, which allowed them to bond with each other, and given prizes at the end of each game. However, the highlight of the event was giving the kids their school supplies, bags, cultural uniforms, and four pieces of bunbong, a musical instrument that would be a worthy addition to the ensemble.
General Parents and Teachers Association President and Banda Kawayan Officer Roselle Alibar showed their gratitude as the program closed and said, “Maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyong patuloy na pagsuporta sa amin. Salamat po sa pagbibigay ng costumes, bag, at ibang supplies.”
Project Saysay is one of GMEC & GNPD’s advocacies with the mission to “Plant A Love” among the community through outreach programs led by employee volunteers. This program encourages monthly birthday celebrators in the company to choose a community or group they wish to share their special day with. Moreover, it aims to be the avenue for collective action of employee volunteers and be a beacon of hope for their chosen beneficiaries.
