GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), a recognized leader in public service in the country, turned over seven newly constructed classrooms at the Mandulog Elementary School in Barangay Mandulog, Iligan City in line with its long-term rehabilitation program for the victims of typhoon Sendong.
Last June 15, GMAKF Executive Vice President and COO Mel C. Tiangco led the inauguration of the classrooms, which was attended by Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz, District Congressman Vicente Varf Berlmonte, Assistant Superintendent Roy Angelo G. Gazon, Mandulog Elementary School principal Zenaida P. Simon and Mandulog Brgy. Captain Dianalan Pagsidan. Also present were Iligan City Vice Mayor Henry C. Dy and Department of Education (DepEd) District Supervisor Ompah R. Pagsidan.
Prior to the turnover ceremony, GMAKF distributed schools supplies and hosted an environmental symposium, as well as a tree planting activity in the school.
Going beyond the basic requirements of a standard DepEd classroom, the classrooms have the advanced features of a Kapuso School Development (KSD) classroom, which includes additional tools and facilities that are meant to create a more conducive learning environment for the students.
GMAKF takes pride in these classrooms as they are built using Light Steel Frame Technology to ensure optimum functionality and durability.
The Foundation is set to build three more classrooms in Mandulog Elementary School, which is located in the same site as the Kapuso Village where GMAKF is currently constructing around 200 houses for families displaced by Sendong.
The former Mandulog Elementary School is situated along the river bank of Kapay River, which overflowed during the onslaught of Sendong. Its classrooms and administrative buildings were wiped out by the typhoon leaving only the principal’s office, which was nonetheless damaged and unusable.
The Foundation learned about the plight of the school during its relief operations in Brgy. Mandulog but was informed by the local DepEd that they already have funds for its rehabilitation. GMAKF then focused on building the nearby Kapuso Village housing project.
As GMAKF strives to build a community consisting of complete services and facilities, it negotiated with the DepEd Main Office to allow the construction of a school within the Kapuso Village. Following a series of dialogues, DepEd finally allowed GMAKF to construct 10 classrooms at Mandulog Elementary School.
Construction began mid-April and was in full swing by May made possible by GMAKF construction team composed of skilled workers, army volunteers, and Kapuso Village beneficiaries. Guided by the Bayanihan spirit, everyone contributed their time and effort to ensure that classrooms will be ready for the school opening this June.
In addition to the classrooms, GMAKF also turned over two water supply facilities with service sheds to the Sendong victims in Sitio Cabaro, Barangay Hinaplanon, a predominantly Muslim community and the second hardest-hit barangay in Iligan.
Present during the turnover ceremony were GMAKF EVP and COO Ms. Mel C. Tiangco, Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz, Cabaro Brgy. Captain Norodin Cabaro, AVP for GMA Regional TV Oliver Amoroso, and Head of Infrastructure Committee Alfredo Pacana.
