The GEL experience in Education & Youth Development
As the son of the longest serving mayor of Biñan City, Vice Mayor Gel Alonte grew up seeing his father—former Mayor Bayani Arthur Alonte—institute solid programs and projects in the 10 years (1987-1997) the elder Alonte was mayor of the city.
“Growing up in a family deeply rooted in public service, I have always been inspired by the values of integrity, compassion, and dedication to the people. This legacy is not just a part of my identity but also a guiding principle in my role as the City Vice Mayor of Biñan. I am committed to enhancing my leadership by upholding these values and ensuring that the needs of our community are always prioritized,” he said.
Vice Mayor Gel added that he is focused in addressing the needs of the youth; their education and overall development.
GEL ACADEMY
Gel, who was an athlete in his youth, formulated the Galing at Epektibong Lingkod (GEL) Young Leaders and Athletes Academy, a program that gives special focus on nurturing the potential of Biñanense youths, equipping them with the skills and values necessary to lead in the future.
“I have always believed that leadership is not just about holding a position; it’s about taking action to address the needs and concerns of the people. I felt a strong responsibility to use my skills, knowledge, and energy to continue the work of improving our city and ensuring that every Biñanense has the opportunity to live a better life,” he said.
Coupled with the Vice Mayor’s existing scholarship program, Biñan City has been able to democratize education, opening equal opportunities for acquiring tertiary education, regardless of social status.
“I would also continue the Iskolar ng Binan in the Collegiate Institutions of the city, Iskolar ng Binan and ABC Grantees of Academic Assistance (P10,000) under the PUP-Binan Campus and the Financial Assistance (Voucher of P10,000) to Incoming Senior High School Students,” he said.
According to Gel, scholarship programs will receive budget priority to empower Biñanenses with the education that will land them financially rewarding jobs.
MUNTING ANGEL
The MUNTING ANGEL program, initiated by Vice Mayor Gel Alonte during his first term as City Vice Mayor of Biñan, has become a cornerstone of community service in the city. Designed to address the needs of Day Care and Elementary students across the 24 Barangays of Biñan, the program provides comprehensive support through a range of essential services.
Key components of the “Munting AnGEL” program include:
Medical, Dental, and Optical Services. These are the primary focus areas, ensuring that children receive the necessary healthcare to support their growth and development. Regular check-ups, dental treatments, and vision screenings are conducted to address common health issues among young students;
Feeding Program. Recognizing the importance of proper nutrition, the program includes a feeding initiative aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition among students. This helps improve their concentration and performance in school;
School Supplies Distribution. To support education, the program distributes school supplies such as notebooks, pens, pencils, and other essentials to students who may not have the means to acquire them on their own. This initiative helps to level the playing field and ensures that all students have the tools they need for learning; and
Free Haircuts. Personal grooming is also a part of the program, with free haircuts provided to students. This not only boosts their self-esteem but also promotes good hygiene.
Through the “Munting AnGEL” program, Vice Mayor Alonte has demonstrated his commitment to the well-being and future success of Biñan’s youth, making a tangible impact on the lives of thousands of children in the city.
PUBLIC FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT
Investments in public facilities—in particular, schools, health centers, and sports complexes—continue to ensure an improved quality of life for Biñanenses.
While in other towns and cities in the Philippines, the trend is the privatization of public schools, in Biñan, it is the other way around, said Gel.
Private schools converted to public schools. (Above) AMA Colleges converted to PUP Biñan-CITE Campus
To date, Biñan City’s 24 barangays has a total of 28 public elementary schools, and eight integrated schools.
“We’ve bought private schools and turned them into public schools,” Gel explained.
Crediting the outcome to the harmonious relationship that exists between him, outgoing Biñan City Mayor Arman Dimaguila, and her sister, Rep. Len Alonte, he added: “We’ve what you call a meeting of minds. Fortunately, we support each other.”
The past nine years saw the construction of a two-story mezzanine, gymnasium, lecture hall, canteen, and offices at the Biñan City Senior High School West Campus.
The finished building provided modern facilities for students, supporting their educational needs and extracurricular activities. The improved campus benefits around 2,000 students annually.
Moreover, the construction of a four-story building at Biñan City Science High School has been able to house sufficient lecture halls, laboratories, and an assembly area. The new building provides state-of-the-art facilities for science education. Approximately 1,500 students benefit from these facilities each year.
Meanwhile, the building of a four-story, 42-classroom school building at Brgy. Dela Paz, adds significantly to the capacity of the school’s education infrastructure. This expansion project benefits around 1,800 students, providing them with a conducive learning environment.
CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
The past years also saw the construction of the Center for Performing Arts Building. Located in Brgy. Poblacion, the facility serves as a cultural hub for the city, hosting performances, events, and other community activities.
Benefitting the entire community by promoting arts and culture, an estimated 10,000 residents participate in the Center’s various events annually.
The fabrication of the Gondola and installation of high Bay light bulbs at the City of Biñan’s Performing Arts Theater has upgraded and enhanced its facilities, benefiting athletes, sports enthusiasts, and spectators.
Gel said the arena serves as a venue for local and regional sports events, impacting around 20,000 people annually.
“We will continue to develop and maintain world-class sports facilities, such as the Biñan Sports Complex, and introduce new programs to engage our youth and promote a healthy, active lifestyle,” he said.
ENGLISH LITERACY, LITERATURE APPRECIATION
Recognizing that English proficiency and literacy are important in education, the Local Government of Biñan has recently partnered with the Philippines Graphic Reader, a monthly literary publication designed to promote English literacy and appreciation of Philippine Literature in English.
With the partnership, a total of 18,636 junior public high school students from 10 schools became the newest beneficiaries of the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards-Local Government Unit (NJLA-LGU) Advocacy for English and Literature project.
The NJLA-LGU project will benefit Grades 9 and 10 students in the city’s junior public high schools.
These are the Biñan Integrated National High School, Biñan Secondary School of Applied Academics, Dela Paz National High School, Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial National High School, Mamplasan National High School, Nereo R. Joaquin National High School, Saint Francis Integrated National High School, Southville Integrated National High School, St. Anthony Integrated National High School, and Biñan City Science and Technology High School.
On the part of Biñan City, the project entails the distribution of the Philippines Graphic Reader to all junior public high schools. This will provide junior high school students across Biñan with the chance to explore a diverse range of literary works in the form of short stories and poems curated by Philippines Graphic Reader.
“By immersing themselves in these materials, students can improve their language proficiency, critical thinking abilities, and appreciation for literature,” Gel said.
The Vice Mayor stressed that introducing Biñan City’s younger generation to the works of local authors not only enriches their literary experience but also allows them to connect with stories and themes that are culturally relevant and reflective of their own experiences.
DIGITAL LEARNING AND YOUTH INTERACTION
Part of Vice Mayor Gel Alonte’s plan to level up the education and youth development in Biñan City is to invest in digital learning.
This was facilitated by the passage of a “Digital Learning Hubs Ordinance of 2024” and the “GEL Young Leaders and Athletes Academy Ordinance of 2024” which have both enhanced the educational opportunities and youth development for young Biñanenses.
“A crucial concern is ensuring that our workforce is equipped with the skills needed for the jobs of the future. This involves investing in education and skills development, particularly in digital literacy and technical skills, so that our people are prepared to compete in a rapidly changing global economy. Both ordinances create programs designed to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
Vice Mayor Gel said engaging the youth has always been a priority in the city’s development programs, “as they are the future leaders and innovators of our city.”
“We have consistently collaborated with the Youth and Sports Development Office and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to ensure that our projects resonate with the interests and needs of the younger generation,” he said.
“Through these partnerships, we’ve launched various initiatives such as sports development programs, leadership training workshops, and community service projects that encourage active participation among the youth,” he said.
Biñan City officials also worked closely with the SK to create platforms where young people can voice their ideas and contribute to decision-making processes in the city.
“By involving them in these projects, we not only provide them with opportunities for personal growth but also foster a sense of responsibility and commitment to the community,” Gel elaborated.
With all these programs, Gel said close to 200,000 of Biñan City’s youth population will be empowered. But to do this, he said more infrastructure projects are needed, not only to support youth and sports development, but also the city’s economy.
“We need to continue improving our infrastructure to support economic activities. This includes not only physical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and transportation systems but also digital infrastructure that enables connectivity and innovation. By addressing these issues, we can create a more resilient and inclusive economy that provides opportunities for all Biñanenses to thrive,” he said.
