The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) extends its gratitude to the Operation Brotherhood Montessori Center (OBMC) for backing the educational needs of the children residing in Pag-asa Island off the West Philippine Sea.

Commodore Genito Basilio, Commander of the Coast Guard District Palawan, thanked OBMC and its Chief Operating Officer, Auxiliary Commodore Sara Soliven - De Guzman for their “genuine concern for the kids of Pag-asa.”

“We are looking forward to a stronger partnership with OB Montessori in bringing quality education closer to our youth in Pag-asa island,” Commodore Basilio said.

The PCG and OBMC delivered an assortment of educational materials to said island led by PCG Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia.Jr.

Pag-asa Island lies 480 kilometers west of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It is the largest outpost and the only inhabited island in the Kalayaan Group of Islands with a population of 200 individuals, 20 of which are children.

The mission to put a premium on education and literacy of the children of Pag-asa Island started on 20 May 2021 when the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) transported school supplies and educational materials to the island.

The community care program for the people of Pag-asa is part of the #BayanihanSaKaragatan program of the PCG's Task Force Pagsasanay.

Through the generosity of Auxiliary Commodore Soliven - De Guzman, the OBMC donated the following:

Equipment

- Two Computer Sets

- One Epson Printer with scanner

- 55 inch Samsung UHD TV

Hygiene Kits

- 100 packs for female

- 100 packs for male

Books and Educational Materials

- 150 multi-level story books

- 14 DVD Movies

School Supplies

- 150 notebooks

- 100 long folders

- 150 short folders

- 10 boxes colored chalk

- 3 packs art paper

- 40 Intermediate pad paper

- 10 reams bond paper

- 36 pcs whiteboard markers

- 10 white board

- 2 blackboards

- Backpacks

Uniforms

- 40 PE shirts for kids

- 20 jogging pants

- 20 shirts for adults

- 48 bath towels for kids

- 40 bath towels for adults

- 64 pairs rubber slippers

Frozen Meat Products

- 220 packs Pampanga's Best assorted products

OBMC is set to adapt the Pag-asa Elementary School and augment children's education by establishing online learning modules.

Auxiliary Commodore Soliven - De Guzman is a member of the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) Executive Squadron.

Along with donations from the OBMC, BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), through its commanding officer, Commander Alberto Ferre, also transported other basic necessities and food to the people of Pag-asa Island. Various squadrons of the PCGA District NCR - Central Luzon have also sent tubs of ice cream for them to enjoy.

Through the Operation Brotherhood community, the Beauty Elements Ventures, Inc. (BEVI) also donated 2,000 packs of purified drinking water, 400 boxes of alcohol, and 200 sacks of soap.