Bridging Distances with the Igcocok Balay Ati School Museum
February 17, 2025
M Lhuillier is deeply committed to supporting students, regardless of distance. The company actively listens to community needs and takes decisive action. Over the years, M Lhuillier has generously provided educational resources to even the most remote areas. A significant milestone was achieved on January 14, 2025, with the successful turnover of the “Igcocok Balay Ati School Museum” project at Igcocok Elementary School. This initiative introduced a valuable educational resource to the rural community, significantly enhancing the learning experience for its students.
The day began early for the M Lhuillier team, who departed from San Jose, Antique, at 7:45 AM. The journey to Igcocok Elementary School took over an hour, underscoring the school's isolated location far from the town center. Upon arrival, the team was warmly welcomed by students who greeted them with flags and heartfelt messages of thanks.
A formal turnover ceremony commenced, highlighting the significance of the occasion. It began with the national anthem, led by Ma’am Cherry Elisan, a teacher at the school, setting a tone of unity and national pride. Following this, Ma’am Marisa Sacanle led an opening prayer, adding a spiritual dimension and reflecting the community’s values. Ma’am Susie Mariano then delivered a welcome message, expressing gratitude to M Lhuillier for the new school museum.
The event included a symbolic key handover and ribbon-cutting ceremony, demonstrating the company’s commitment to community development. This included the formal turnover of the school museum, along with a complete set of computers, a printer, and speakers. This generous donation aims to enhance educational resources, bridge the digital divide, and preserve cultural heritage.
Area Manager Ma’am Shiela T. Situbal delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the critical importance of education and community support. Her words resonated deeply, illustrating M Lhuillier’s dedication to fostering growth and opportunity in the regions it serves. The significance of the event was further amplified by the presence of Sir Rodolfo Aduana, the Barangay Captain and respected leader of the Ati tribe, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for M Lhuillier's generosity and the positive impact this initiative will have on the community.
OPEC President Lucile Ann Marie M. Altares also addressed the gathering, highlighting M Lhuillier’s diverse range of products and services. She showcased offerings such as Quick Cash Loans, Kwarta Padala, money changing, home and car loans, bill payments, and digital payment options like Mcash/Gcash, along with M Lhuillier Insurance products, particularly the Dengue RX coverage. This included important information on dengue awareness, effectively combining product promotion with essential health education for the community.
The audience enjoyed a vibrant intermission performance by Igcocok’s talented students, showcasing their energy and creativity. A highlight of the program was a recognition ceremony, where M Lhuillier received a certificate acknowledging its steadfast commitment to the community, reinforcing the importance of corporate social responsibility in nurturing educational growth.
The event transitioned into a heartwarming gift-giving session, where students received essential school supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, and pens. Teachers and staff were also presented with thoughtful gifts like towels and tote bags, demonstrating the program's dedication to supporting both students and educators.
Closing remarks were delivered by Mr. Luis Nogara, the PTA President, who reflected on the day’s events and their positive impact on the school community. The newly established School Museum will serve as a bridge between the past and present, providing insights into the school’s history and evolution.
The turnover ceremony at Igcocok Elementary School was a resounding success, blending inspiration, recognition, generosity, and a commitment to preserving history. It showcased the school’s vibrant community spirit and its dedication to creating a nurturing educational environment for all.
As M Lhuillier believes, "Every mile traveled to educate a child is a step toward a brighter future; distance is merely a part of the journey."