24 May 2006 - Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Virginia A. Benavidez,  conveyed the deep appreciation of the Philippine Government and the Filipino people to seven Christian groups for being the sixth donor to support the on-going collaborative efforts to help alleviate the classroom shortage through the Classroom Galing sa Manggagawa (CGMA) project.

In her report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Benavidez said that on 19 May 2006, leaders and representatives of the Filipino Full Gospel International Ministry, Bread of Life, Mile 12, Christ the Livingstone, Jesus is Lord, Upper Room and the Christian Fellowship Center in Brunei turned over to Labor Attaché Aida Estabillo the amount of US$4,000.00 as their joint contribution of to build a classroom at the Cabugao Integrated School in Bato, Catanduanes.  In thanking the group, Ambassador Benavidez pointed out that even if the Filipino community in Brunei numbering 20,000 is comparatively small, their proportionate share in the classrooms donations is high.

To date, the Philippine Embassy personnel and OFWs in Brunei have completed the construction of a classroom each at the Nalil Elementary School in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Victoria East Elementary School in Victoria, Tarlac, Lamlahak Elementary School, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Trece Martirez Elementary School, Cavite City and Tina-an Norte Primary School Leon, Iloilo.  Additional pledges from the Catholic community and Filipino employees in one of the leading car distribution companies, garment factories, sports organizations and other groups are expected to be given within the year.

“The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam is indeed blessed to have as vital partners the members of the Filipino community whose sustained and unfailing generosity, compassion, concern and cooperation have been concretely manifested in numerous projects and activities they continue to undertake for the benefit of our beloved country and people.  They are truly our modern heroes and valuable investors whose contribution to the education of our youth and schoolchildren is a precious legacy that will always be engraved in our people’s hearts and minds”, Ambassador Benavidez stated. END