MANILA, Philippines » Black Eyed Peas band member apl.de.ap has launched school projects in his Philippines hometown that aim to increase literacy and develop the musical talents of young Filipinos.

Organizers say the singer opened Wednesday a library, a computer room and a music room in Sapang Bato National High School and a music library and studio in Holy Angel University. The rapper, whose real name is Allan Pineda Lindo Jr., attended both schools in northern Angeles city before he was adopted at 14 and moved to the United States.

The singer has been appointed special ambassador to education by the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation named after two of the Philippines’ democracy icons. The school projects are funded by various charities and business groups.