In a significant move to enhance educational collaboration, Israel’s aid agency MASHAV inaugurated a new learning center at Ususan Elementary School in Taguig City on February 19, 2025. The ceremony was led by MASHAV Head Ambassador Eynat Shlein and Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, marking a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations between the two nations.
The newly established Nir Oz Resource Learning Center, named in honor of an Israeli kibbutz affected by the October 2023 Hamas attack, is equipped with essential reading materials and educational tools provided by MASHAV. Ambassador Shlein emphasized the center’s role as a foundational element in the pursuit of sustainable development, highlighting the importance of starting with the youngest members of society.
“The seeds of the future are the children, and we must nurture them,” Shlein stated, expressing hopes that the center would not only encourage reading but also foster values of friendship, understanding, and open-mindedness among students. She described the center as a sanctuary where children can engage in reflective learning, contributing to sustainable education.
Ambassador Fluss shared plans for further expansion, noting Israel’s commitment to establishing similar facilities beyond Metro Manila through partnerships with various stakeholders. He underscored Israel’s approach to development, focusing on human resource development and capacity building.
The event was also attended by Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, underscoring local government support for such initiatives. The Nir Oz Center is one of four learning spaces that Israel has funded in the Philippines, reflecting a growing commitment to educational development in the region.