ISRAEL’S aid agency, MASHAV, has turned over a newly built learning center to Ususan Elementary School in Taguig City.

The unveiling ceremony was led by MASHAV Head Ambassador Eynat Shlein and Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, who reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to strengthening development cooperation with the country.

Named the Nir Oz Resource Learning Center, the facility honors an Israeli kibbutz attacked by Hamas in October 2023. It is equipped with books and educational materials provided by MASHAV to enhance students’ learning experiences.

Ambassador Shlein described the learning center as a vital part of Israel and the Philippines’ shared goal of sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of investing in children’s education.

“The beginning are the seeds, and the seeds of the future are the children—we need to look after them,” she said.

She also expressed hope that the center would inspire students to read more and foster values of friendship, understanding, and open-mindedness.

“For us, this is a building block for sustainable education,” she added, highlighting MASHAV’s long-standing support for education in over 140 countries, including training thousands of Filipinos.

Ambassador Fluss revealed plans to collaborate with more stakeholders to establish similar learning centers outside Metro Manila.

“It’s very humble, but that’s the Israeli approach—we believe in the development of human resources,” he said, emphasizing Israel’s focus on capacity-building.

Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano attended the inauguration, underscoring the local government’s support for educational initiatives.

The Nir Oz Resource Learning Center is one of four learning spaces that Israel has funded in the Philippines so far.