CLFI National FinLit Caravan Reaches Aparri

In Photo: The CLFI Team hands the symbolic Key of Knowledge to the administrators of the Aparri East Central School ALS Community Learning Center.

Aparri, Cagayan — From the southern shores of Tawi-Tawi to the remote Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, and now to the northernmost town of Luzon—Aparri—Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI) continues to break geographical boundaries to ensure that no Filipino learner is left behind. With the launch of its 184th Alternative Learning System (ALS) Center at Aparri East Central School, CLFI marks a significant milestone in its mission to promote inclusive education in even the most remote communities across the country.

This expansion is part of the Foundation’s broader #LahatKasama National Financial Literacy (FinLit) Caravan, which recently brought financial empowerment and learning opportunities to the northern provinces of Cagayan and Isabela.

The Aparri and San Mariano launches highlighted CLFI’s growing ALS footprint—now with 185 supported centers nationwide—serving out-of-school youth (OSYs) and adult learners who seek to reclaim their dreams through alternative education. In Isabela, the 183rd ALS Center was launched at San Mariano II Central School, underscoring CLFI’s consistent push for access and equity.

“Ipinaglalaban namin na ang bawat Pilipino ay magkaroon ng patas na oportunidad upang matuto, umasenso, at makamit ang kanilang mga pangarap. Patunay ng aming matibay na suporta sa ALS ay ang pagbibigay ng pansariling kahulugan ng aming Presidente na si Jean Henri Lhuillier sa ALS na para sa kanya ito ay nangangahulugang ‘Always Love Schooling.’” — CLFI Executive Director Jonathan Batangan.

The events were attended by education champions and program partners including Michael Joseph Torne, OIC of CLFI’s Institutional Programs Department, and Proceso Celis II, Program Lead for Museum and Special Projects, together with Cebuana Lhuillier Area Heads Janice Rosario (Aparri), Jolito Francisco Castillo, and Anniehelle Garcia (San Mariano).

Judith Baclig, Public Schools District Supervisor of Aparri, expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“Sa ngalan ng Aparri East District, taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga naging bahagi ng matagumpay na Financial Literacy and ALS Partnership Launch na ito. Ang turnover ng mga ICT equipment sa Aparri East Central School ALS Center ay isang malinaw na patunay ng inyong dedikasyon upang maiangat ang kalidad ng edukasyon at serbisyo para sa ating mga mahal na ALS learners.”

Since launching the ALS Program in 2013, CLFI has empowered more than 61,000 learners nationwide.

Joining the Aparri celebration were Grenville Albano and Maximo Cupa, Executive Assistants representing Mayor Ambo Dayag and Vice Mayor Bryan Dale Chan.

Meanwhile, in San Mariano, Mayor Ana Cristina Go thanked CLFI for its continued support and belief in the potential of her community:

“Lubos po ang aming pasasalamat sa Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. sa kanilang malasakit at pagtitiwala sa kakayahan ng mga San Marianino.”

Also present were Maria Geraldine Lastra-Bermudez, ALS Focal Person of the Schools Division of Isabela, and Lindo John Ramos, Education Program Specialist from Cagayan’s Division Office—signifying the enduring collaboration among LGUs, DepEd, and CLFI.

This multi-pronged initiative, combining financial literacy, community empowerment, and education access, is a testament to CLFI’s long-standing commitment to nation-building through resilience, inclusion, and hope—reaching even the farthest corners of the Philippine archipelago.