On October 10, 2023, a momentous event took place as Damilag Integrated School officially received a 1-unit building comprising two brand-new classrooms. This generous contribution came as a donation from the esteemed Gama Foods Corporation, a company known as one of the top three reputable integrators of fresh, whole-dressed chicken in the country.
The event began with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and the unit's blessing, followed by a touching turnover speech by Mrs. Gwendolyn Chang, the spouse of Mr. Nelson Chang, CEO of Gama Foods Corporation. In her address, Mrs. Chang emphasized the company's strong commitment to social responsibility and the belief that investing in education is the most impactful way to contribute to the sustainable development of their communities. She described the newly donated classrooms as a physical embodiment of this commitment, expressing confidence that these units will serve their purpose for generations to come.
The program's second part involved the symbolic passing of the key from the Gama CEO to the Engineer from Vinlabz Construction and Supply, then from the Engineer to the Schools Division Superintendent, represented by Mr. Rolyn Sumohoy. This symbolic key was then handed over to the Local Government of Manolo Fortich, represented by Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño. Subsequently, the School Principal, Ma. Salome L. Niere, received the key from the municipal government and passed it on to the parent representative, who, in turn, handed it over to a teacher, and finally to a pupil representative.
School Principal Ma. Salome Niere conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to Gama Foods and the Local Government Unit (LGU) for selecting Damilag Integrated School as the recipient of these donated classrooms. She described the occasion as a significant milestone in the school's pursuit of educational development and expressed profound appreciation for the blessing these new classrooms represent.
The 126-square-meter unit consists of two classrooms, each accommodating two sections of grade 3 students. Construction commenced in the first week of May 2023 and was completed in the last week of September 2023. The unit features built-in comfort rooms for both classrooms and jalousie windows. Along with the building, the donation included durable furniture, including desks, chairs, tables, and other classroom amenities, ensuring a conducive learning environment for the students.
Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño also extended his appreciation to Gama Foods for their commitment to education and their provision of much-needed classrooms for Damilag Integrated School. He acknowledged the positive impact these new classrooms would have on the students' educational experience and expressed confidence in the school's ability to care for and maximize the donated facilities. "Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa GAMA Family, sa permero, niadto si Mr. Chang sa ako niingon siya, ‘basin naa kay kinahanglanon nga skwelahan? Naa koy mga programs sa eskwelahan.’ ang atong agenda sa atong administration when I came back as Mayor is Education for All, mao na ang first priority among others.”
Mayor Quiño recognized the widespread need for additional classrooms in many schools within the municipality, emphasizing that the goal of "Education for All" cannot be realized without adequate classrooms and teachers. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to companies in the municipality that invest in education.
This collaboration between Gama Foods, the LGU, and Damilag Integrated School exemplifies the significance of government and non-government partnerships in addressing educational needs and promoting inclusive, high-quality education for all. The enduring impact of these classrooms will benefit countless generations of students by providing a much-needed learning environment that nurtures their academic growth and development. These students are the future of Manolo Fortich, after all.
Editor
Date Posted: October 14, 2023