A school on a remote island in the Philippines, reachable only via challenging sea routes, is set to receive a lifeline of safer and more reliable travel as new passenger boats and essential logistical support are to be delivered, thanks to the efforts of a Bahrain-based organisation.
The initiative is part of the flagship ‘Adopt a School’ programme by the Knights of Rizal Bahrain Chapter, a humanitarian effort focused on improving access to education in underserved communities across the Southeast Asian nation.
Funding for the project will be raised during the group’s Commander’s Ball next month to be held over the Eid holidays.
The gathering is expected to bring together members of the Filipino community in Bahrain, civic figures and corporate partners in support of the project’s next phase.
“Due to its isolated location, students and teachers at the Palaui Integrated School in San Vicente face daily risks and difficulties in reaching the location, which can only be accessed through a challenging sea route from the mainland,” Knight Commander of Rizal and events programme director Sir Ahbet Quinto told the GDN.
“Building on the success of phase one, phase two will tackle the school’s logistical and transportation challenges by providing 30 passenger boats, solar batteries and essential educational logistics.
“These boats are not just vessels of transport; they are vessels of opportunity. They will ensure safe passage for students and faculty, facilitate the delivery of school supplies and help secure the continuity of education despite environmental and logistical challenges.”
Mr Quinto added that the initiative aims to ensure that no learner is deprived of quality education because of geography. “By improving mobility and logistical capacity, the project directly supports school attendance, safety and continuity of learning,” he said.
Phase one of the Adopt A School programme was launched in response to the urgent needs of schools in geographically disadvantaged areas, many of which continue to struggle with basic infrastructure.
“Solar panels and batteries were installed to provide sustainable electrification and uninterrupted power, while smart TVs, printers, desktop computers and laptops were supplied to modernise classrooms,” he said.
“Classrooms were transformed into hubs of interactive learning, empowering teachers and allowing students to explore new worlds beyond the horizon of their island.”
Mr Quinto stressed that these efforts are a shared responsibility and reflects how Filipino communities abroad remain deeply connected to the progress of their homeland.
The Knights of Rizal (KOR) Bahrain Chapter was established to promote the life, works and ideals of Philippine national hero José Rizal among nationals living in the kingdom.
Mr Rizal was a revered Filipino nationalist and prolific writer, who fearlessly fought for his country’s independence through his literary works that inspired a revolution against Spanish colonial rule.
As an order of chivalry, the chapter serves to foster patriotism, civic responsibility and Filipino culture, while supporting community initiatives, such as the ‘Adopt A School’ programme, inspired by Rizal’s belief that education is the cornerstone of nation-building.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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