The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation (RAFI) launched Project EQUIP in Cebu City on May 23, 2012.  Local School Boards will be energized to lead the processes of improving learning performance in Carcar, Liloan, and Asturias.

Governor Miguel Dominguez of Sarangani shared the “journey” which they took in helping their children to read better and handle math problems.  He took pride in the increase in the children’s NAT scores, the decline in the number of frustrated readers, and the increase in the completion and participation rates.  He showcased the public-private sector partnerships which the program generated resulting to donations from business firms that provide children with workbooks and instructional materials.  Sarangani’s Project Quest is made more dynamic with the numerous innovations which the Project Management Team introduced such as the construction of school dormitories, and the conduct of Sarangani’s Big Brother.  School dormitories enable children who live in far-flung villages to go to school regularly.  The Big Brother program is directed towards generating volunteerism in helping frustrated readers read better.

Synergeia Trustee Washington SyCip exhorted the participants to work passionately in order to keep children in school and prevent dropouts.   He sees no way for the country to progress if 30 percent of the student population drop out of school.
The Trustees of RAFI headed by its President Mr. Roberto Aboitiz lead the MOU signing defining the partnerships among the local government units, RAFI and Synergeia.