Erap unveils MVP tech center at PLM

MANILA, Philippines - As part of his commitment to improve public education in the city of Manila, Mayor Joseph Estrada unveiled on Monday the P20-million state-of-the-art MVP Technology and Innovation Center at the city-run Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).

Estrada said students of PLM now have better access to technology and equipment to succeed in the future. The center was built using funds provided by business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan.

“This facility is an important step in enriching the learning experience of PLM students as they seek to be the next generation of our city’s leaders,” Estrada said during the turnover ceremonies.

“On behalf of PLM officials, faculty and students as well as the entire city of Manila, I extend my deepest thanks to you for this generous gesture of support to our city’s educational sector,” Estrada said, addressing Pangilinan.

During the ceremony, Estrada received the symbolic key from Pangilinan, who is the chairman of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone, Co. SMART and One Meralco Foundation.

Estrada lauded Pangilinan for his generous assistance to the PLM.

“I am pleased to be back here at the PLM. It is always good to be among our city’s foremost academics, educators and young Manilenyos who give our city so much honor as well as hope for the future of Manila,” Estrada said.

Having inherited a bankrupt city with dilapidated education equipment, Estrada said he needed the assistance of businessmen like Pangilinan.

Pangilinan said he and his companies try to provide assistance to many public schools all over the country.

He said the MVP Technology and Innovation Center was a fulfillment of his promise to the PLM during its recent commencement exercises.

“Many are asking for help. Many are in need of help. So, we are trying to help as many as we can all over the Philippines, especially (by providing) computer (laboratories),” Pangilinan said, adding that priority is given to public schools that lack the necessary equipment to provide quality education.

“There are many public schools. This is a continuing engagement with PLM. They also need desks (and) facilities in (the) auditorium. We have to fix (them),” Pangilinan said.

PLM president Ma. Leonora “Lenny” de Jesus, PLM vice president for academic affairs Gil Evasco, PLM College of Engineering and Technology - Student Council vice president Ezekiel Mangabat, PLDT-Smart Foundation president Esther Santos and Meralco president and chief executive officer Oscar Reyes graced the turnover ceremony.