No School’s Too Far

For a school in a far-flung barangay to become a recipient of well-built classrooms would seem like an unlikely reality to its teachers and pupils. For who would notice them when they are located far, far away? 

With its goal of extending help in rural areas and providing public school children with a better and quality learning environment, however, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), ably supported by its partners, definitely did. 

Asturias Mayor Alan Adlawan (third from left) led the unveiling of the marker of a new school building of Asturias Central School. With him are (left to right) school Guidance Councilor Ana Noemi Buhia, Town Councilor Letecia Orozco, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Micro-finance deputy director for operations Ailyn Lim, RAFI Education Development Unit executive Director Anthony Dignadice, and RAFI Micro-finance Cebu south area manager Naomi Navacilla.  

Last February 13, RAFI, the local government of Asturias town, and the Department of Education (DepEd) turned over 24 classrooms (eight school buildings) in seven schools of the town. 

The recipients were the elementary schools of Barangays Lunas II, Owak, Baye, San Isidro, Tag-amakan, and Sta. Lucia, and the Asturias Central School.

The total cost of the project, which was in line with RAFI Education Development Unit’s (EDU) School Rehabilitation Program, was P16.31 million.

RAFI-EDU Executive Director Anthony Dignadice said the foundation extending assistance to Asturias is also a result of its being the “most consistent partner in (the school) rehabilitation program,” because “education has been their (town officials) first priority”.

The teachers and students, too, was grateful of the effort.

“Happy kaayo mi unya naka-feel mi we’re not left behind bisag unsa kalayo. Kay naay ni-care ug ni-support.  Guba kaayo among building naayo na. We hope that the commitment will continue and they will not lose interest,” said Sta. Lucia Elementary School Principal Lucita Ynoy after formally receiving on behalf of DepEd the new classrooms.

Asturias Mayor Alan Adlawan (center, wearing white polo) poses with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. representatives and students, teachers, and officials of Asturias Central School after the turnover of several classrooms last February 13. 

Under her leadership, the school also used the excess paint in beautifying the other classrooms and excess cement for the school ground so the classrooms would not get muddy when it rains.

“Thank you.  Even though our place is very far, they still spent time and gave us importance,” also said Baye Elementary School teacher Regielito Almerez 

Baye Elementary School, on the other hand, used the excess materials in constructing a new school gate and additional comfort rooms for students. 

And despite her young age, Janine Raelas, a Grade 1 pupil of Sta.Lucia Elementary School, was appreciative of her new classroom.

”Thank you kay gitagaan mi bag-ong classroom. Daghan na mi ug classroom,” she beamed, a sweet smile radiating from her face.

Kids like her makes those distant schools never too far.