The Department of Education said Friday the donated school supplies from the Bank of the Philippine Islands Foundation will benefit around 36,000 students and teachers.

Lauding the BPI Foundation's support for DepEd's learning recovery initiative, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said the project brings joy and ease to thousands of public school teachers and students.

"This is a concrete affirmation of your trust and confidence in them to hold out strong as we endeavor to recover learning gaps due to the schools' closures during the pandemic," Duterte said in a video message.

Duterte said the donation steers the organization's social corporate responsibility, as well as its stakeholders which helps achieve the development and enhancement of basic primary education.

"May we never tire (of) finding meaningful ways to support our shared endeavors of our teachers and students and maintain the quality of our education through our engagements, synergy, and commitment to the nation," she was quoted as saying in a PNA report.

Owen Cammayo, Executive Director of the BPI Foundation, assured the public of sustained commitment and partnership with the DepEd.

"We believe that it is essential to every recovery is the full support and cooperation between government and the private sector… The BPI Foundation, we remain committed to the rebuilding phase, until we are fully recovered," Cammayo said.

BPI Foundation will also donate printers, ink, and bond papers to selected 74 big and small schools nationwide.