UnionBank Volunteers Empower Linanot Elementary School Youth Through Sports Initiative
By: Martina Lucero
Last March 16, 2024, volunteers from UnionBank’s Iligan branch organized a GoBeyond Communities initiative titled “Drug-Free Generation Through Sports.” Spearheaded by Branch Ambassador Jeff Ryan Omlan, this initiative gained inspiration from his personal experiences.
Reflecting on how sports had shaped his life, Jeff emphasized the opportunities it had afforded him as a college football varsity, including tuition fee privileges, stipends, and travel. He also noted the untapped potential among players from remote areas, hindered by the lack of necessary equipment.
Hence, the team chose Linanot Elementary School, located in a remote area with limited resources, as their beneficiary. Their aim was to make a tangible impact to the students’ lives by promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle through sports engagement.
During the turnover ceremony, the volunteers presented a diverse array of sports equipment, including basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, badminton rackets, shuttlecocks, and training cones, to the eager students. Their excitement showed the significance of the initiative, as they embraced the opportunity to participate in healthy, drug-free activities.
Beyond equipment donations, the volunteers also organized interactive activities and educational sessions focused on drug awareness and positive lifestyle choices. Their aim was to inspire youth to lead drug-free lives and pursue their dreams with determination.
The heartfelt appreciation from teachers, parents, and barangay officials highlighted the impact of the initiative. The school head recognized and expressed their utmost gratitude to UnionBank for supporting sports in their school, presenting the volunteers with a certificate of recognition for their valuable contributions.
The UnionBank volunteers, composed of 6 volunteers from the Iligan Branch (BCM), 1 from Bancasurrance, 1 from BCM CDO branch, 1 OSP checkwriter, and 1 from ITSG-TCOE, exemplified the spirit of community involvement and social responsibility. This GBC initiative was a step forward in building a brighter, drug-free future for the children of Linanot Elementary School.