By Rhea Mae Ruba, DOST-STII

The DOST-Day Care Center (DDCC) received school equipment from the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. through the initiative of DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., who converted his token of appreciation into a donation. The turnover took place at the DDCC building in DOST Bicutan Compound, Taguig City, on December 13, 2023.

The donated school equipment includes two flat-screen televisions, one refrigerator, one portable speaker, and seven tablets, aiming to advance and improve the education system, specifically the children's learning habits.

With the optimistic goal of prioritizing the needs of DDCC students, DOST-Secretary Solidum converted his reward as one of the judges in the 2023 Metrobank Foundation's search for Outstanding Filipinos into the school equipment.

"I also remember that to develop science, technology, and innovation in our country, which will be the key to change our nation, it is important to provide an answer to the question of how we can encourage the young generation to involve themselves in science and technology. So, I have been asked for a long time, and my answer was to start with children, specifically toddlers, kindergarten, or nursery," emphasized DOST Secretary Solidum.

According to DOST Secretary Solidum, he was beyond grateful to extend Metrobank Foundation's generosity to the DDCC students. "Definitely, this is one of the happiest moments in my life, remembering and helping the children. Because it's a chance for them to benefit from technology and learn from it," the DOST Secretary said.

Meanwhile, Metrobank Foundation, Inc. President Aniceto M. Sobrepeña revealed the selfless act of DOST Secretary in choosing to share his reward, serving as their corporation's appreciation for its two-day hard work in carefully and thoroughly selecting the Most Outstanding Filipinos.

"We make sure that we honor our distinguished jury members. He immediately chose you (DDCC). The DOST Secretary willingly donated his reward publicly. Very selfless," Metrobank President Sobrepeña affirmed.

In his message, he requested the constant support of DOST Secretary in the search for Most Outstanding Filipinos, especially in the category of teachers, to encourage more applicants from the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS).

Other partnerships and collaborations that strengthen the synergy of Metrobank and DOST were hoped to be implemented by Metrobank President. "We'll be happy to work with DOST to further implement our advocacy. What else can we do and help? We are a funding agency. We are not that enormous, but we are one of the most active foundations in the whole country," Metrobank President Sobrepeña added.

DOST Secretary also looked forward to the significant results of having more partnerships and collaborations with Metrobank to develop opportunities for the country. “I think this is our way of showing and expressing the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino. If we work together for the common good, we will transcend all the hurdles that the Philippines seems to be facing,” DOST Secretary Solidum expressed.

The DDCC learning environment was softly launched this year for the five students after its building's major renovation. It served as one of DOST’s gender mainstreaming initiatives to help DOST personnel take care of their children while at work. Upon receiving support, the DDCC management hoped to be fully operational next year, expecting that a greater number of children would receive a high-quality education system.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. (right) received his plaque of recognition as a board of judge on the 2023 Metrobank Foundation’s search for Most Outstanding Filipinos. Awarded by Metrobank Foundation, Inc. President Aniceto M. Sobrepeña (left) during the turnover of school equipment to the DOST Day Care Center. (Photo by Henry A. De Leon, DOST-STII)

In the presence of DOST Assistant Secretary and DOST-wide GAD Focal Person Diana L. Ignacio, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., Metrobank Foundation, Inc. President Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, and Metrobank Foundation, Inc. Excellence Awards Unit Head Kenny Ralph S. Fernando (L-R), the DOST Day Care students were granted school equipment to advance and improve their learning habits. (Photo by Henry A. De Leon, DOST-STII)