The Israel Embassy in Manila has handed over a fully furnished library to an elementary school in Taguig City. Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss inaugurated the Jerusalem Learning Resource Center at Bagong Tanyag Elementary School, demonstrating the embassy's commitment to supporting the Department of Education (DepEd). Fluss mentioned during the turnover ceremony, "The center represents the strong friendship between Israel and the Philippines. The seeds of friendship and cooperation have been planted". He emphasized that while the Learning Resource Center may be physically small, its impact on the intellectual growth of young learners is immeasurable. The goal is for the center to foster a love for reading and open the door to a world of knowledge, creativity, and possibilities.
Education remains a cornerstone of Philippine-Israel relations, with involvement in DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela since 2015, according to Fluss. He stated, "This center is our contribution to Brigada Eskwela 2023, and we anticipate participating in and supporting future educational initiatives". The embassy funded educational materials, a TV set, water dispensers, fans, bean bags, and other amenities to create a conducive learning environment for the school's over 2,000 students. Despite Israel facing challenges against Hamas, the embassy affirmed its commitment to continue strengthening relations with the Philippines.
Fluss urged Filipinos to support the plea for the release of the 132 individuals currently held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Additionally, the Taguig City government introduced its disability resource and development centre, the first of its kind in the country under local government management. Mayor Lani Cayetano presided over the opening of the six-story facility in Barangay North Signal. The center serves as a crucial hub for disseminating information, developing programs and policies, and enhancing capacity, catering to all stakeholders involved in disabilities in Taguig.
