Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu get more classrooms

CEBU, Philippines- Aiming to address the problem on overcrowding in public schools, the Aboitiz Foundation Inc.   yesterday turned over 45 classrooms to nine schools in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

The ceremonial turnover of the donated 16-classroom building and laboratory equipment was held at Mandaue Comprehensive National High School, one of the nine recipient schools.

Beneficiaries are Banilad High School, Cubacub Elementary School, Babag National High School, Mandaue City Science High School, Jagobiao National High School, Cabancalan National High School.

Also part of the turnover were nine three-storey buildings as well as science and technical vocational equipment, all costing P54 million.

Attending the ceremony were officials from AFI led by trustee Jaime José Aboitiz and president Susan Valdez.

Representing Department of Education were regional director Carmelita Dulangon and Mandaue Schools Division superintendent Virginia Zapanta.

Mandaue City Jonas Cortes and some council members also graced the event.

In her speech, Dulangon thanked the support of their private partners like AFI and the local government units.

“You have lightened our burden. These classrooms can contribute to the improved academic excellence and performance of our students. These should be used by the learners and not utilized as offices. The equipment should not end up inside a glass cabinet as it should be used by our learners in actual learning,” Dulangon said.

She likewise urged the students to take care of the donated facilities so the coming generations can also benefit from them.

Apart from the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, AFI is also active in rehabilitating schools in Yolanda-hit northern Cebu.

Aboitiz said they are targeting to complete about 200 classrooms in the north. —/LPM) (FREEMAN)