US turns over new classrooms to Leyte high school

MANILA, Philippines – The US government turned over eight new classrooms to the administrators of Tolosa National High School in Leyte during the commemoration of the third anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda on Nov. 8.

The classrooms were constructed by the United States Agency for International Development, according to US embassy chargé d’ affaires Michael Klecheski.

The rooms are designed to be typhoon and earthquake resilient, and will provide a safe and conducive learning environment to more than 1,600 students.

Tolosa was among towns in Leyte and Samar destroyed by winds and rains brought by Yolanda on Nov. 8, 2013.

“What we have seen here, in the course of this day, is the spirit of strength among the people of this beautiful region. The American people and the rest of the world are impressed with your resilience and hard work,” Klecheski said during the ceremony.

Tolosa Councilor Bob Abellanosa, who represented the provincial government during the ceremony, acknowledged the US government’s contributions to the province’s recovery.

“They have been instrumental in helping our communities and survivors through livelihood programs that truly help. We cannot say thank you enough,” Abellanosa said.

The classrooms are part of the US government’s nearly $143 million assistance to help typhoon survivors recover.