The Visayan Electric Company (Veco) turned over a newly constructed two-story, four-classroom building to the Alpaco Elementary School in Naga City, southern Cebu last October 26.
Each classroom can accommodate around 50 pupils.
Veco and Aboitiz Foundation Inc. shouldered P3.97 million of the total project cost of P5.62 million, while the remaining amount was funded by the Naga City government.
Alpaco Elementary School is the 19th recipient of Veco’s Adopt-A-School project this year.
School principal Erlinda Dalogdog said this is the first time that the school, which was established in 1950, received a donation of a school building.
Dalogdog thanked Veco, Aboitiz Foundation and the city government of Naga for the school building.
“We will take good care of it. On behalf of the parents and teachers association in Alpaco, your goodness will always be remembered by us teachers, children, parents and the entire community as well,” she said.
Each classroom is equipped with adequate lighting, 50 armchairs, comfort room, tiled floors and a blackboard.
Veco Chief Operating Officer Anton Mari Perdices said the assistance is in line with the company’s program to help improve the education of the children in Veco’s franchise area.
“Gone are the days when a kid says way klase kay basa ang blackboard or tulo ang atup (no classes because the blackboard is wet or the roof leaks),” City Administrator Arthur Villamor said.
“Nalipay tag dako nga napilian ang Alpaco nga makadawat sa building nga makasugakod og linog og bagyo (We’re happy that Alpaco was chosen to receive this building, which can withstand earthquakes and typhoons),” Villamor said.
He added that the building can also be used as an evacuation center during calamities.
The turnover ceremony was attended by Perdices, Villamor, Dalogdog, Veco Reputation Enhancement Department head Eric Ching and some students.
The signing of the deed of donation and deed of acceptance was witnessed by DepEd’s Division Project Development officer Conrado Dejarme and Alpaco Barangay Councilor Eduardo Manubag.