As education continues to evolve in a rapidly changing
world, meaningful partnerships have become increasingly important in expanding
learning opportunities for students beyond the classroom. Through
collaborations with local organizations, schools, and community groups, the
Consulate General of the Republic of San Marino in the Philippines continues to
strengthen programs that help young Filipinos grow academically, culturally,
and socially.
By working closely with educational institutions and
community stakeholders, the Consulate has expanded initiatives that promote
lifelong learning and expose students to broader cultural and global
perspectives. These efforts reflect the growing understanding that education
today extends beyond textbooks and traditional instruction—it also involves
nurturing creativity, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation of the
world.
According to Consul General Jean Henri Lhuillier, education
must equip young people with the skills and mindset needed to navigate an
increasingly interconnected future.
“Education today must prepare students not only to read and
write, but also to understand the world around them, appreciate culture, and
adapt to the future. Young learners need opportunities that encourage
curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong desire to learn,” said Lhuillier.
This vision has guided several educational and cultural
initiatives supported by the Consulate over the years. Beyond promoting
literacy, these programs seek to create enriching learning experiences that
help students become globally aware while remaining grounded in their
communities and cultural identity.
Among the Consulate’s longstanding collaborators is Cebuana
Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI), whose partnership has further strengthened
efforts to make educational and community-based programs more accessible to
Filipino youth. Together, they continue to support initiatives that encourage
literacy, creativity, and inclusive learning opportunities beyond the
classroom.
One such initiative is the Consulate’s partnership with
Bookmark, Inc. to publish Pamilyang Papel, a children’s activity
and storytelling material designed to make cultural education more engaging and
accessible. The publication promotes reading, creativity, and the formation of
values through interactive learning experiences that introduce young readers to
culture and heritage.
Building on these efforts, the Consulate, in collaboration
with Cebuana Lhuillier and LINKS Philippines, has continued to strengthen the
Hooked on Books Program, an initiative aimed at enhancing learning environments
and fostering a stronger culture of reading among Filipino students. The latest
project under the program is the development of the JHL-RSM Library, the 30th
milestone Hooked on Books (HOB) library established through the initiative.
As part of the project, Leonor Petra G. Elepaño met with
representatives of the local government and the city administration of Manila,
including city administrator Atty. Eduardo Quintos, who expressed support for
the initiative and its potential impact on the community.
Currently under construction at Graciano Lopez Jaena
Elementary School, the JHL-RSM Library forms part of the Consulate’s broader
commitment to creating more inclusive and supportive spaces for learning. In
preparation for its opening, volunteers and partners participated in a
three-day community effort that included mural painting activities, library
setup, and storytelling sessions for students. These activities reflect the
program’s holistic approach to literacy, combining access to books with creative
learning experiences that encourage children to develop a lifelong love for
reading.
The project has also received support from several
private-sector partners. Boysen donated mural paints that helped transform the
facility into a vibrant and engaging space for students, while TOSOT served as
the project’s air-conditioning sponsor.
Meanwhile, Archispace Design Inc. contributed to the
construction and design of the learning space alongside JAS Design and Build
Development Corp., led by Sandy Ocampo and Alvin Lu, further highlighting the
collaborative effort behind the initiative.
As the project continues to take shape, it reflects San
Marino’s enduring commitment to supporting educational programs that expand
access to knowledge, encourage cultural appreciation, and help prepare young
Filipinos for the opportunities and challenges of the future. Through
initiatives such as the JHL-RSM Library, the Consulate continues to demonstrate
how partnerships can help create meaningful learning experiences that empower
the next generation of Filipino learners.
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