Mexico, Pampanga—Mr. Katsutoshi Shimizu has been in the country since 1969, and as a way of “giving back” to the Philippines after more than 40 years of his successful business here, Shimizu has chosen to undertake efforts to help improve the state of education as his advocacy.

Through the R.K. Shimizu Nagasaki Foundation, Inc. (RKSFI) which Katsutoshi Shimizu founded in 2011, the goal of giving learners a more comfortable and decent learning environment has been realized with the adoption of seven schools in Region 3 which include two in Bataan, 3 in Tarlac, and 2 in Pampanga have been adopted. Each of these schools have been given classrooms which are fully-equipped with a computer, LED television, classroom equipment, and students’ school supplies. Since 2011, Shimizu has committed to construct three to five school buildings every year, and 20 to 30 school buildings in the next 3 years.

In a colorful and culture-inspired ceremony held on June 17, the RKSFI turned over a two-classroom building worth more than P2.3M at the Masamat Elementary School in Mexico, Pampanga. The said school building is complete with restrooms, a Japanese garden, furniture such as tables and chairs, school supplies, and other equipment. It is also a disaster-proof building that is able to withstand an earthquake and other possible types of calamities.

“Happy is the one who receives, but happier is the one who gives. Today, I am the happiest man,” Shimizu exclaimed as he shared his mission of giving back and helping Filipinos which he wants to continue doing even after his retirement.

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro, in his acceptance speech, acknowledged the benevolence of Shimizu’s foundation as being one of DepEd’s partners who continue to provide assistance and help foster the strong friendship between the Philippines and Japan.

The donations of Shimizu is lodged under DepEd’s Adopt-A-School program which invites the private sector to donate to public schools and help raise the standard of education. In turn, donors receive tax incentive as authorized by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.•