Australian embassy donates 50 footballs to Taguig school 

In a joyous event, the students of Ricardo P. Cruz Elementary School received a generous donation of 50 footballs on May 17. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu spearheaded this initiative in collaboration with the city of Taguig, Football for Humanity, and SaferKidsPH.

The donation is part of Mayor Lani Cayetano's mission to safeguard children from online sexual abuse and exploitation. Through this project, schools and communities become partners with the city in providing assistance to children and engaging them in productive activities.

Mayor Lani Cayetano expressed her gratitude to the Australian Embassy for their support in maintaining the safety of children in Taguig. She stated, "You can count on us, Your Excellencies, Senator Wong, and Ambassador, to be an effective partner in community-building, and I hope that this activity will go beyond just one activity and will lead to more lasting and sustainable cooperation with you."

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Senator Wong emphasized the commitment of the Australian Embassy to continue extending aid to the Philippines, saying, "We do a lot of work together. And we do work together to protect our children, to combat human trafficking, and to promote the empowerment of women and girls. Football for Humanity and SaferKidsPH are examples of our countries working together to tackle problems we both care deeply about."

Senator Wong kicked off the ceremony with a ceremonial kick, symbolizing the official turnover of the footballs. This was followed by a training session and a friendly match among the students of R. P. Cruz Elementary School, adding to the excitement and enthusiasm of the event.

The event was attended by prominent individuals who actively support child protection initiatives. VP of Football for Humanity, Belle Tiongco, Counsellor for Development from the Australian Embassy of Manila, Thanh Le, and City of Taguig Councilor Atty. Joy Panga Cruz were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion.

The donation of 50 footballs not only provides the students with an opportunity to engage in sports but also serves as a symbol of unity and cooperation between the Australian Embassy, Taguig City, Football for Humanity, and SaferKidsPH. It demonstrates the shared commitment to protecting and nurturing the well-being of children, promoting their holistic development, and building a safer community.

As the students of Ricardo P. Cruz Elementary School received their new footballs, their smiles and enthusiasm reflected the positive impact of this initiative. The donation not only contributes to their physical well-being but also fosters teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief in the transformative role of sports in the lives of young individuals.