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A new schoolhouse will soon replace the one in Tando, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
which has become dilapidated and now poses a threat to the safety and health of the pupils. In the
words of one student, “The roof leaks when it rains and we get wet inside our classrooms.”
Petron Foundation is constructing
a Petron School similar to the ones that it has put up in other parts of the country as one of its educational
assistance programs for less privileged children. The new structure is expected to be completed before classes
begin in June this year.
Once completed, the Petron
School will have four classrooms, new sets of chairs, electric fans, adequate lighting and clean restrooms
for boys and girls. The school will also have a training component for members of the Parent-Teacher-Community
Associations, as well as other support programs for the community.
Local provincial officials
were in full force during the ground-breaking ceremonies held last March 15.
“We wish to thank Petron for
taking the initiative for this noble project,” Nueva Valencia Mayor Diosdado Gonzaga said.
Provincial Governor JC Rahman Nava added,
“We were only actually working on a two to three-classroom building and how fortunate we are to have a
four-classroom building coming from Petron.”
Also present at the groundbreaking
ceremony were local teachers and students, who expressed their heartfelt appreciation. “We are excited to use
the classroom facilities this coming June. Thank you for this wonderful gift,” local teacher
Priscilla Galvan said.
Petron is building the school in
partnership with the Department of Education and Habitat for Humanity-Philippines, which will undertake the
actual construction.
Meanwhile, Petron will also be
establishing a Library Hub in Brgy. San Miguel in Jordan. The Library Hub has received an initial 36,000 books
from the San Francisco Public Library (USA) and Bato Balani Foundation. These will be available to schools within
the area, which can borrow them for their library or reading corner for 30 days.
The Petron Library Hub is a joint undertaking
among Petron, Saudi Aramco, Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation, Petron Dealers Association, San Francisco Public Library (USA)
and Bato Balani Foundation.
August 12, 2006
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