Volunteers from the Belle group have taken part in an initiative to prepare public schools in the Philippines for the new academic year. The initiative – called “Brigada Eskwela” – is an annual activity organised by the country’s Department of Education.
Volunteers from Philippines-listed Belle Corp, as well as from its units Premium Leisure Corp, Premium Leisure & Amusement Inc, and Pacific Online Systems Corp, participated in a two-day volunteer effort in June in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, according to a recent press release.
Belle is entitled to a share of revenues or earnings from gaming operations at City of Dreams Manila, in the Philippine capital. The group also separately operates a lottery business and holds real estate interests.
Belle’s president and chief executive, Armin Raquel Santos (pictured front row, third from right), joined the group’s volunteers at the Dau Elementary School in Mabalacat City. The volunteer team helped to clean the school, repaint hallways, and improve facilities, in order “to create a more inspiring and welcoming environment for students”.
The announcement cited Mr Raquel Santos as saying: “Supporting education is one of the most meaningful ways we can serve our communities. It’s a responsibility we embrace with heart.”
A second team of volunteers provided support at the Duquit Elementary School, also in Mabalacat. There, the volunteers donated materials, painted classrooms, and helped pave parts of the school grounds, according to the update.
Belle said in the announcement that it remains committed to being a responsible corporate citizen; “one that believes in empowering future generations through shared action, meaningful partnerships, and a strong advocacy towards inclusive development”.
