AN Aberystwyth-based charity aimed at helping communities in the Philippines has bowed out with a flourish after finishing a major project in part-funding classrooms at a local school.

Cyfeillion Cymuned Laoac, or Friends of the Laoac Community, was set up to help fund and provide facilities for impoverished areas in the Philippines and has now completed its work in the region.

Dr Selwyn Williams, the chairman of the charity, said the last of the funds raised by the charity had been used to build new classrooms in La Trinidad town.

He said: “Our aim has always been to enable impoverished communities in the Philippines to become self-sustaining and we’ve always viewed education as one of the most powerful ways to do that, so this final project fitted in completely with our goals.

“The building is situated in the heart of La Trinidad town and the school is run by the charity Shekinah Educational Center of Benguet Inc.

“The last £2,000 in the CCL charity account was transferred to support this school building project.”

The charity has worked alongside several other organisations and charities, including the Laoac United Lions Club, and counts prominent Aberystwyth and Lions Club member Ben Manluctao as project coordinator.

Over the years, CCL has provided wells for clean drinking water and growing crops, funded furniture for a community centre, seeds for schools and a diabetes screening programme, as well as school bags including books for primary school children.

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