LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu – Students of Pajo Elementary School can now enjoy the updated facilities in their newly inaugurated Florida U. Young Building -- a 2-storey home economics school building constructed in support of Republic Act 8525 or the Adopt-a-School Act of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Pajo Elementary School

The building was turned over on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 by GFHI.

The building features a fully furnished home economics room on the ground floor, which has a bedroom, kitchen, furniture, and laboratory that will help the Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP), and Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) students of Pajo Elementary School.  It is designed to nurture practical skills among students and set them on a path towards self-sufficiency and empowerment.

Florida U. Young Building

On the second floor is a spacious classroom equipped with modern amenities to facilitate a conducive learning environment for students.

This generous donation of GFHI underscores their unwavering dedication to community development and education.

George Christian (Chris) L. Young III expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to honor his grandmother’s memory through this endeavor.

George Christian (Chris) L. Young III

“Over many decades, my grandmother Florida U. Young recognized the role of educators in nurturing and guiding our youth to become future leaders of our country. She had always believed that education is the great equalizer of opportunities,” he said.

“This school building is not just a manifestation of her vision to help enhance educational facilities in the province that nurtured her youth, but more importantly, this is a symbol to inspire our young generation to study harder, learn more, complete their education, and achieve more, with pride,” Mr. Chris Young added.

In her acceptance speech, Pajo Elementary School Principal Melodina Wahing expressed her appreciation to GFHI for choosing their school as recipient of the donation. She assured that the school will take good care of their new building.

“Your generosity is what gives our young pupils the resources they need and this opens doors for the next generation. Your donation gives our pupils the pride and unrelenting motivation because you believe in them,” she said.

Several stakeholders, led by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Q. Chan, attended the inauguration and turnover ceremony.

Florida U. Young Building Inauguration and Turnover Ceremony.

Other officials present were Lapu-Lapu City Congresswoman Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” K. Chan, GFHI Executive Vice President Joselito Fausto F. Parco, GFHI Finance Director Edwin Y. Kho, DepEd Lapu-Lapu City Division Program Supervisor Dr. Herminia Leyson, Pajo Barangay Captain Lyndel T. Bullos, and GPTA President Jimmy Cape, among others.

In his speech, Mayor Chan recalled how the Young family, GMC, and GFHI have always been supportive of his administration and generous to the Oponganons.

“I know Mr. George U. Young, Jr. (current president of GFHI).  Education has always been very close to the heart of Mr. Young and his family. And that is why, as a way of giving back to the community, they have chosen schools as the beneficiaries of buildings,” he said.

Chan, who used to be the barangay captain of Pajo before becoming mayor in 2019, said he is thankful that GFHI chose Pajo Elementary School as the beneficiary of the new school building.

Named after a visionary woman who left an indelible mark on her community, the Florida U. Young Building stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mrs. Young and her commitment to children and basic education.

This remarkable structure is poised to serve as a beacon of hope and progress for generations of students, teachers, and families in Lapu-Lapu City.

About GFHI

Grand Floridian Holdings, Inc. is a major shareholder of General Milling Corporation. GFHI is committed to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities by supporting projects that empower and uplift.

About GMC

General Milling Corporation is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality food products in the Philippines. The corporation is committed to corporate social responsibility and actively participates in community development programs, particularly in the areas of education and nutrition.

It continues to diversify operations in various manufacturing complex in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos City.  GMC is also engaged in property development, trading and other value-added operations in agri-business.