By Dyanarha P. Lavadia, J.O., DOLE – DNFO

The Banana Industry Tripartite Council XI in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment will build a classroom for the Indigenous People (IP) pupils of Basak Elementary School. On May 10, 2018, members of the council along with partners and stakeholders went to Sitio Basak for the groundbreaking ceremony.

Included in the activity was the turnover of groceries given by the Federation of Family Welfare Stakeholders XI, Inc. (FFWS-XI) to the volunteers of the construction. School and office supplies were also given to the pupils and teachers of Basak Elementary School by representatives from Mindanao Banana Farmers and Exporters Association (MBFEA).

The classroom building project is funded from the proceeds of  the 2^nd Sagip Batang Manggagawa Fun Run held in October 2017. The successful event was largely supported by the companies in the banana industry and by some stakeholders from the retail, services, and construction industries.

Francis Dominique Y. Nazario, DOLE XI Labor Relations Focal, Angelina A. Talingting, DOLE DNFO Chief and Erlinda G. Mamitag, DOLE DSFO Chief represented the government sector. Beatriz Francia of the Management Sector and Edgardo Jumawan of the Labor Sector and other members of the Banana Industry Tripartite Council (BITC) also graced the event. The classroom will be turned over in June before the classes start. Further, the council is now getting ready for another Fun Run in October, this year.