The Rotary Club of San Fernando, Pampanga, in partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation Programa Genio, marked an important milestone on March 19, 2025, with the announcement of plans to renovate the Alternative Learning System Community Learning Center (ALS CLC) at Bebe Matua Elementary School. This event will be the first-ever ALS CLC in the South District of Masantol, Pampanga!
Following this, an ocular site visit was conducted on April 8, 2025, further affirming community support and officially greenlighting the renovation. The visit was attended by ABS-CBN Foundation International Managing Director Maria Elisa Cabahug, Rotary Club of San Fernando Treasurer Tony Koh, Foreman Dani Mariano, Public Schools District Supervisor of Masantol South District Renato Canilao, Bebe Matua ES Principal I Elirose Salonga, Masantol North District ALS Teachers Henry Nicolas Sunga and Ma. Marian Dizon, and Masantol South District ALS Teachers Fernando Mamangun Jr. and Joshua Russel Bautista, with significant contributions from Technical Adviser Jojo Pascual and Field Engineer Matthew Lumbres.
We are now working closely with the Schools Division of Pampanga, the Bureau of Alternative Learning System, and ALS teachers in Masantol to explore the next steps toward offering the Grade 12 level to ALS learners and making education even more accessible in the area.
Previously, the learners had no dedicated space, often studying wherever possible— under trees, in vacant halls, at the covered court, or in borrowed library corners. With the upcoming renovation, over 200 out-of-school youth and adults of Masantol South District will soon have a well-ventilated, safe, and conducive learning environment, giving them a real home for growth and empowering them to develop essential skills for sustainable livelihoods. This project transforms individual lives and sparks a ripple effect, strengthening and rebuilding the entire community over time.
This achievement was made possible through the dedication and support of Rotarians, led by President Erning Dumas, Treasurer Tony Koh, Immediate Past President (IPP) Secretary Jun Pineda, Past Presidents (PP) Alan David, Emer Feliciano, Conrad Garcia, Arlen Macaspac, Bong Mah, Boy Pacla, Felix Paras, Alex Patio, Ferdi Tantamco, Leo Viacrusis, and Boy Yambao, along with Rotarians (Rtn.) Brian Dahl, Doy Lampa, and Bien Vergara.
This initiative embodies the power of collective action and collaboration— where each effort multiplies to something greater, just as transforming a learning space can unlock a student’s potential for a brighter future. Rooted in the Rotarian Four-Way Test, this project upholds truth, fairness, goodwill, and benefit for all, proving that when education is prioritized, lives are changed, and communities thrive.
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