07 October 2005—Philippine Ambassador to Ottawa Francisco L. Benedicto has  commended the Kapampangan Association of Montreal (KAM) for extending a helping hand to their cabalens, especially in helping address the education needs of Pampango youth.

Ambassador Benedicto informed the Department that the KAM has remitted four thousand US dollars (US$4,000) thru the Development Bank of the Philippines for the construction of one (1) classroom under the Classroom Galing sa Mamamayang Pilipino Abroad (CGMA) project, naming Benigno S. Aquino National High School in Concepcion, Tarlac, as its recipient school.

This classroom donation is the second under the CGMA from the KAM. In March 2005, the KAM also donated US$4,000 for one classroom for the Guillermo D. Mendoza National High School, the first CGMA donation from the city of Montreal.

Ambassador Benedicto commended the KAM during ceremonies at a dinner he tendered on 4 October 2005 for visiting officials of the Commission on Elections and leaders of various Filipino community organizations in Ottawa and Montreal.   During this event, Ambassador Benedicto witnessed the signing by outgoing KAM founding President Alma Parino-Lapid of the Deed of Donation for one (1) classroom for the Benigno S. Aquino National High School in the province of Tarlac, which was identified as a priority for school building construction. The Deed was authenticated by Consul General Joseph Gerard B. Angeles and witnessed by Vice Consul Rhenita B. Rodriguez. Embassy staffs were likewise present for the occasion.

Support for the CGMA Project is an ongoing Embassy activity. Donations for CGMA from donors in Ottawa, Montreal and Kingston total ten (10) classrooms to date. The construction of these classrooms is ongoing and is expected to be completed soon.  END