GMA Kapuso turns over classrooms in Iligan city

MANILA, Philippines - GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) turned over seven classrooms to the Mandulog Elementary School in Iligan City in line with its long-term rehabilitation program for the victims of typhoon Sendong.

Prior to the turnover, GMAKF distributed school supplies and hosted an environmental symposium, as well as a tree planting activity in the school.

The classrooms have the advanced features of a Kapuso School Development (KSD) classroom, which includes additional tools and facilities meant to create a more conducive learning environment for the students.

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 school is situated along the banks 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 damaged and unusable.

The Foundation learned about the plight of the school during its relief operations but was informed by the local DepEd that they already have funds for its rehabilitation. GMAKF then focused on building the nearby 200-unit Kapuso Village housing project.

As GMAKF strives to build a community with complete services and facilities, it negotiated with DepEd to allow the construction of a school within the Kapuso Village.

Construction began in mid-April with the GMAKF construction team composed of skilled workers, army volunteers, and Kapuso Village beneficiaries in a joint effort to ensure that classrooms would be ready for school opening in June.

In addition to the classrooms, GMAKF also turned over two water supply facilities with service sheds in Sitio Cabaro, Barangay Hinaplanon, a predominantly Muslim community and the second hardest-hit barangay in Iligan.

Present during the turnover were GMAKF EVP Mel Tiangco, Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz, Cabaro barangay captain Norodin Cabaro, AVP for GMA Regional TV Oliver Amoroso, and head of infrastructure committee Alfredo Pacana.