TeaM Energy Foundation (TEFI) is pursuing efforts to help public schools in its host communities prepare for the start of the new school year this coming October, while grappling with the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic.

In coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and different local government units in Quezon and Pangasinan,TEFI donated various learning and hygiene materials that will help teachers and students adjust to the new normal once classes begin, in support of the DepEd’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan.

“We realize the importance of sustaining the learning process for students in a safe and effective manner, while addressing the challenges brought about by this global pandemic,” said Greggy Romualdez, Head of External Affairs, TeaM Energy.

TEFI donated 650 reams of bond paper and more than 200 ink cartridges to DepEd Quezon Division. These materials will be used to print learning modules for the teachers and students in Quezon. Additionally, TEFI also partnered with DepEd Quezon to facilitate the airing of learning programs over Quezon local radio.

Even when face to face classes are suspended this school year, TEFI still managed to participate in this year’s Brigada Eskwelaby donating essential learning tools, as well as hygiene and disinfection packages to schools in Quezon and Pangasinan. More than 300 boxes of surgical masks, 240 gallons of isopropyl alcohol and 60 gallons of bleaching solution were provided to various schools in both provinces through the program.

Aside from its yearly participation in Brigada Eskwela, TEFIhas also built a total of 20 fully-furnished classrooms in Quezon and Pangasinan since 2014, in partnership with the DepEd and various local government units.

DepEd plans to push through with the opening of classes this year in the face of the   global pandemic. This school year, students and teachers will go through their lessons through three different learning channels: one, online – for students who have access to the internet; two, printed learning modules – these printed modules may be delivered to the students’ homes or picked up by their parents at an agreed place and time; and three, radio and TV broadcast – radio and television networks will be used to air lessons during this school year.

TEFI is the social development arm of TeaM Energy, which operates two coal-fired power plants: the 735 MW PagbilaoPower Station in Quezon Province and the 1,200 MW SualPower Station in Pangasinan. It also has a 50% stake in the 420 MW Pagbilao Unit 3 Power Project in Quezon, and a 20% stake in the Ilijan natural gas project in Batangas.