San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has donated land to expand Gen. Tiburcio de Leon National High School in Valenzuela City, reinforcing its commitment to improving access to quality education for underserved Filipino youth.
The donated property will enable the school to accommodate an additional 2,880 students, helping to ease overcrowding at the facility that currently serves over 6,000 students.
“Today, we renew our commitment to Valenzuela and join Mayor Gatchalian’s mission to ensure that education is accessible to every young Valenzuelano,” said Cecile L. Ang, Chairperson of the San Miguel Foundation (SMF), during the deed of donation signing between SMC and the Valenzuela City government.
“Our vision is for every child, regardless of background, to reach their full potential through education,” she added.
Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian expressed gratitude to SMC Chairman and CEO, Ramon S. Ang who readily offered the land upon learning of the school’s need for expansion.
“Our promise is to put this property to good use with your vision in education and the vision of the city of Valenzuela. This land will give rise to a new home for students,” Gatchalian said.
For his part, Noel S. Bagang, Department of Education (DepEd) – Valenzuela Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, stressed the importance of teamwork between the city government and businesses to ensure that schools have the resources they need to effectively teach students.
He commended the city government for its strong partnership in building schools, providing classrooms and essential supplies. Bagang also acknowledged SMC’s ongoing commitment to supporting education through its San Miguel Foundation.
“From all of us here in Valenzuela, thanks to our benefactor, Ramon S. Ang and SMC. This is not just a piece of land. This is hope for learners that someday, somewhere… they can progress. And I hope Valenzuela can one day produce another RSA who can give back in the future,” Bagang said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Ang expressed hope to introduce SMF’s Better World program, specifically its partner AHA Learning Center’s “Accelerate, don’t remediate” program, to Valenzuela’s school children.
This program aims to help those struggling with basic reading and math catch up quickly and succeed.
SMF also focuses on helping children who are getting left behind in its other Better World centers in Tondo and Smokey Mountain, where it also offers classes in music, dance, and arts.
The foundation hopes to introduce similar remedial programs in Valenzuela.