September 6 marked the end of a two-week immersion activity in Aborlan, Palawan of 41 students and 3 officials from Israel. The delegates specifically conducted humanitarian activities where they were able to renovate a reading center for Plaridel Elementary School and build a community library in Tigman.
According to Chen Abramovich, Chairman of Student Union, College of Management at Amiklala Liminun (University), “This is purely volunteerism, it has nothing to do with our academic requirements.”
Teresita Joya, Principal of Plaridel ES, expressed gratitude for being chosen as a beneficiary of the delegates. According to her, the Israelis, aside from teaching the students, also consulted them on constructing a facility for the school.
“Gusto sana namin stage, kaya lang limitado ang time kaya ‘yung reading center na lang,” she said.
Meanwhile, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Effie Ben Matityau graced the culmination program held today where he explained that the immersion is part of an annual event where Israel sends students to the Philippines to conduct humanitarian activities.
“Israel and Philippines have so many things in common. We both have something common to be cherished, in terms of culture,” he shared.
Volunteers described their stay in Palawan as “amazing” and said that they definitely would want to go back to the ‘world’s best island’.