ABS CBN turns over P2.4M

School building in Cabilao

CABILAO ISLAND, Loon, Bohol October 20 (PIA)—A grade IV pupil of the Cabacungan Elementary School in Cabilao island here with two more pupils vowed they would ask their classmates to diligently clean the new classrooms so it could go a long way to help them and his island beat poverty through education.

James Stephen Murcia, Grade IV pupil and who would be occupying the new rooms could not stop his excitement during the blessing and turn-over of the P2.4 million fully furnished two classroom building to Cabacungan Elementary School funded by ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Sagip Program, October 20, that he made sure he was there close to where the action is.

A complete elementary school with 158 pupils, Cabacungan has to use additional makeshift classrooms to fit in its pupils.

Even then, its kinder and day care has to share classrooms for them to be accommodated.

The elation over the new classrooms then came with no surprise here.

“We have sweepers, and we can take turns in cleaning and polishing the glass windows,” Murcia said.

He and several of his grade IV classmates minded not the rain if only to get a front seat during the blessing and turn-over of the new classrooms they would soon occupy.

Murcia, who knotted his fingers and timidly smiled during the casual interview said he and his classmates along with a handful of parents eagerly awaited for the ABS CBN team and the guests for their big event.

But an ill weather delayed the team who had to cross to the island amidst four-meter waves and gale force winds to formalize the turn-over.

Cabilao Island, just a kilometer off Mocpoc point in Loon, is separated from mainland Bohol through a pass that easily boils and froths during bad weather, especially with a low pressure area brewing winds and rain while a storm way up north stirred five meter high waves making safe passage nearly impossible.

The people in the island know too well that in times like this, only those with the guts would gamble the risky turbulent crossing on small pumpboats.

Drenched and shivering, the team from the TV giant’s corporate social responsibility department led by Lingkod Bayan Deputy Director for Operatios Marcel Rinon and a TV crew arrived, an hour later but to the warm welcome of pupils doing the invocation amidst a drizzle.

At the ribbon cutting ceremonies, Director Rinon called Murcia and two more pupils from the school to finally receive the new standard 7x8 meters 2-classroom building fitted with chairs, iron window grills protecting glass jalousies, a teacher’s table, a blackboard, electric fans, fluorescent lamps and restrooms.

“These kids must be here, they are the stars today, and when they are happy, we are happy too,” Dir. Rinon said.

Our only request from Lingkod Kapamilya is for you to take care of this building, hopefully to last for the next years.

Rinon handed the symbolic key of ownership to Principal Felix Sagitarios, who also handed it to Barangay Chairman Ruel Recias, then to PTA President Lady Diane Caro who ultimately handed the key to Murcia and two more pupils of the school.

We heartily accept this facility and we promise to work with the school in keeping the building properly maintained, Cabacungan chairman Recias assured.

ABS CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation collaborated with Bohol’s Society of Ex-Camillian Seminarians, a non-profit relief organization of former seminarians of the Order of St. Camillus, to get Cabacungan the donated two class room building. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

Kids star during the ribbon cutting of the new 1 unit two classroom building ABS CBN gave to Cabacungan Elementary School as teachers, parents, SECS members and the media giant bigwigs play second fiddle