PALO, Leyte, Nov. 22 (PNA) — School rebuilding assistance has poured in a badly-hit San Joaquin Elementary School in this town, coming from non-government organizations (NGOs) and private individuals.
Out of the six NGOs and individuals that donated school buildings in San Joaquin Central School, four of them have already finished their works.
The Philippine Star was the first one to finish the construction of six classrooms, which were turned over shortly before the class opening this schools year.
To complement the classroom rebuilding project, the publication also donated 40 chairs and several books for each classroom.
The Philippine Saga Mining Corp. also donated eight classrooms. Sen. Cynthia Villar and May Petilla, wife of the Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla financed the rehabilitation of 11 classrooms.
Recently, the Helping Hands of Germany finished a six-classroom building within the campus.
The United States Agency for International Development is currently constructing some classrooms and recently donated armchairs, tables and cabinets for teachers.
Also ongoing is the construction of two-storey, four-classroom school by the SM Foundation, in partnership with the BDO Foundation.
“I am very much grateful for all the organizations who have extended their help to us. The pupils will now be more comfortable with the more conducive place to learn,” said Liberato Gonzaga, San Joaquin Central School principal.
Prior to reconstruction projects, pupils stayed in temporary learning spaces donated by the Tzu Chi foundation.
Now, all 422 pupils can be accommodated in the newly completed six classrooms.
With 67 pupils and a teacher perished during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda, the school has recorded the number casualties when strong winds and storm surges smashed coastal communities last year.(PNA)