Del Mar turns over new gym to Tejero

CEBU, Philippines - Five barangays in the city’s north district are expected to benefit from the newly constructed gymnasium inside the Tejero Elementary School funded through the Priority Development Fund of North District Rep. Rachel del Mar.

Del Mar yesterday turned over the P1.5-million semi-covered gymnasium to officials of the Department of Education before inducting the officials of TES General PTA, Homeroom, Teachers Association officers.

The gym shall benefit the almost 5,000 elementary school and night high school students of TES who used to hold school activities often under the scorching heat of the sun.

Del Mar, in her speech, said the gymnasium is part of her commitment to continue to improve the quality of education of students in Cebu City by providing them the facilities that will create an environment conducive for learning.

Tejero Captain Jessilou Cadungog said they have been requesting for the gymnasium since 2009, but circumstances beyond their control like the election ban hindered the project.

Construction of the gymnasium began immediately after Del Mar assumed office, as the project was considered among her first priorities. She said the neighboring barangays of T. Padilla, Tinago, San Roque and Parian can also benefit from the gymnasium.

TES Principal II Nicomedes Tijap said the school used to be one of the big schools in the city that did not have the facility. TES has 3,425 elementary students and 1, 305 nigh high school students.

“This project is an apparent manifestation of the government officials who are dedicated and committed to continue extending support to the Department of Education geared towards the welfare of the school children. We are glad to bind ourselves to take good care of it so that it can serve the purpose for which it is given,” Tijap said.

Mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young also attended yesterday’s turnover ceremony.In a separate development, the city’s Task Force Cancer also re-launched its Anti-Smoking Campaign at the Plaza Sugbo yesterday. Attendees participated in a ceremonial “puffing,” that symbolized the last time anti-smoking advocates would take a puff.

The Task Force has committed to strictly implement the ordinance banning smoking in public buildings and other public places in the city. Violators may be fined P4,000 to P5,000 and may face imprisonment for a year.  (FREEMAN)