(Taken from Facebook page Kaibigan Battalion, with edits)
Mawab, Compostela Valley Province ? With the utmost desire to provide more classrooms for the learners and teachers, 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion in partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.-Operation Sagip, has turned-over one-Building two-unit classroom to Gubatan Elementary School at Barangay Gubatan, Maco, Compostela Valley Province on February 06, 2019.
Photo courtesy: Kaibigan Battalion’s Page
The classrooms were equipped with armchairs, teacher?s table, lights, boards, and comfort rooms. The building has an estimated value of 2 Million Pesos
Lieutenant Colonel Esteveyn Ducusin, Battalion Commander of 71st IB said, ?This is a result of Community Support Program (CSP) wherein based in Need Assessment Survey (NAS) we have found that this school needs more classrooms. As the bridge of the community to the stakeholders, we facilitated a request to ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Incorporated. Consequently, the request was immediately served.?
Regardless of the fact that Barangay Gubatan is considered a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA) where delivery of assistance entails a lot of effort, 71st IB took initiative to link and coordinate with the foundation. Thus, the project was realized.
ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, represented by Paul Palacio, News Anchor of ABS-CBN Davao said, ?Salamat kay kami namahimong instrumento sa inyong kalampusan. Mga bata, maningkamot og skwela. Basin sa kalisod atong paningkamotan na makalampos sa pag-eskwela (We are thankful because we become an instrument of your success. To the pupils, be diligent in studying. Despite adversities, remain steadfast for you to be successful).?
On the other hand, the Chairman of Barangay Gubatan Hon Arniel T. Fernandez expressed his gratitude and said, ?Ang mga katawhan sa among barangay nagpasalamat og daku dili lang sa pagpatukod og classroom ani nga skwelahan apil sa usab sa makanunayong kalinaw (The people of this barangay are thankful not only for building a classroom in this school but also for the constant peace and order within the barangay).?
The event marked the celebration of partnerships between private stakeholders, Local Government Unit, Department of Education and Philippine Army. Despite the road condition and area location, the project was completed within the given period. Further, the pupils, teachers and parents along with the other residents of the barangay have expressed gratefulness for having received a project that would not only benefit the pupils of this school year but also for pupils of the next years to come. For the parents, this classroom will serve as a starting point as children work hard for their dreams and aspirations in life.
Last January 29, 71st IB also turned-over two-unit classroom to Mambing Elementary School in New Corella, Davao Del Norte.
Certainly, the Kaibigan Troopers is leading the way in serving the people. Ducusin said, ?We will continue to facilitate project such as this. We are always your partner for peace and development.?
Undeniably, the 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battallion does not only excel in perpetrating the enemy but also in engaging in civic affairs by being a bridge to reach the projects of stakeholders to far-flung communities.
Honorable Alvera Veronica R Rimando, Municipal Mayor of Maco personally appeared and delivered her message of support. Other guests who witnessed the program and gave their message of gratitude were Carina Frasco and Noel B Canales, both are officials from Department of Education (DepEd), Division of Compostela Valley Province.