Council gives demolition job a go signal

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Council has given Barangay Lawaan I the green light to demolish a 40-year-old dilapidated building at Lawaan Elementary School to pave way for the construction of a sports facility.

Since the lot is owned by the city government, City Councilor Socrates Fernandez said the barangay needs the council's approval to demolish the structure.  Fernandez is the city's chairman of the committee on infrastructure.

Lawaan I Barangay Captain Joel Cabo, however, assured students and their parents that the demolition is not going to cause classroom shortage since a four-story, 19-classroom building adjacent to the old one is ready for occupancy.

The village chief said the residents have long desired to have a sports facility in their place where the youth could engage in physical activities by means of games like basketball, among others.

Cabo explained that some provisions and conditions will be set forth as soon as the facility will be completed. From Monday to Friday, the students of the school can use the facility, while in the evening, it will be rented out to interested parties.

An amount of P1 million has been allocated for the construction of the facility that will be managed by the barangay once fully furnished.

Mayor Johnny De los Reyes said the project will be essential to barangay's affairs, as well as benefit student-trainees. (FREEMAN)