In time for National Indigenous Peoples Month, the Department of Education (DepEd) inaugurated a new four-classroom building at Banti Elementary School, providing safer and more permanent learning spaces for 152 learners, 132 of whom belong to Indigenous Peoples communities.
Representing Education Secretary Sonny Angara, DepEd Undersecretary for Human Resources, Organizational Development, and Infrastructure Wilfredo Cabral led the inauguration and blessing of the new structure, which replaces the school’s makeshift classrooms.
“Kasama sa pinakamahalagang prayoridad ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos at ng DepEd ang pagtiyak na mas magiging inklusibo ang ating edukasyon para mabigyan ang ating mga mag-aaral ng patas at mas malawak na pagkakataong abutin ang kanilang mga pangarap,” Secretary Angara said in a statement.
Funded under the 2024 national budget through the Last Mile Schools Program, the new building utilizes alternative construction technology and comes equipped with solar panels, chairs, and blackboards.
“Para sa lahat ng mga bata at pamilya sa anumang bahagi ng lipunan, ang sinumang salat sa yaman ay dapat maging mas mayaman sa edukasyon,” Angara added, stressing the importance of bringing accessible public schools to remote areas.
Funded under the 2024 national budget through the Last Mile Schools Program, the new building utilizes alternative construction technology and comes equipped with solar panels, chairs, and blackboards.
Usec. Cabral emphasized that the new classrooms should foster both academic learning and character development.
“Ang mga silid-aralang ito ay dapat maging sandigan at kadluan ng karangalan, kaalaman, pagkatuto, at higit sa lahat, ng paghubog sa pag-uugali bilang isang mabuting tao,” Usec. Cabral said.
Teacher-in-Charge Anhing Luarca said the new building is a significant improvement from the makeshift, light-material classrooms previously used by the school.
“Malaki po ang advantage ng bagong gusali sapagkat matibay ang pagkakagawa nito at hindi basta-basta masisira ng malakas na hangin. Hindi gaya ng mga dating makeshift classroom na madaling masira kapag may masamang panahon,” Luarca said.
He expressed optimism that the upgraded facilities will help their IP learners complete their education.
“Malaking tulong ang bagong pasilidad na ito upang makapag-aral nang mabuti ang mga bata, na kalaunan ay maghahatid ng mas magandang buhay sa kanilang pamilya,” Luarca added.
Usec. Cabral encouraged the Banti community to maximize the new facility as a foundation for the youth’s future. “Lahat tayo ay may kakayahan, kailangan lang po natin itong linangin,” he said, highlighting how proper education enables learners to contribute to their local communities.
The administration and personnel of Banti Elementary School assured DepEd that the community would maintain and care for the new building, calling it a vital investment in the education of Banti’s children.
