Paknaan Elementary School thanks the students from Hanbat National University in South Korea for finishing the construction of their school building. (CDN PHOTO/NORMAN MENDOZA)
The students of Hanbat National University in South Korea turned over last Monday a newly completed school building to Paknaan Elementary School.
The students finished the construction of the two-story, four-classroom building.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) stopped work on the building in 2013 after constructing the beams, roof and columns.
Flora Ylanan, the school’s principal, inquired from the DPWH about the status of the project in 2014 but was told that the Department of Education (DepEd) central office lacked funding for the project.
Instead of waiting, Ylanan took the initiative to look for sponsors who are willing to finish the building.
“Kon maghulat pa ta sa DPWH o sa DepEd, mag-antos intawon ang ubang mga estudyante nga anhi magklase sa gym (If we wait for the DPWH or DepEd, some students will continue to hold classes in the gym),” said Ylanan.
Heo Young Chul, liaison officer of Hanbat National University, said the project was started November last year by the first batch of around 20 students. It was finished this month by the second batch of 18 students.
He said they chose Paknaan Elementary School as the beneficiary after seeing that some classes were being held at the gym.
The school had to hold classes in two shifts — 6 a.m. to noon and noon to 6 p.m. — because they don’t have enough rooms.
Soyeon Park, 22, a third year public administration student, said she volunteered for the project as part of the school’s contribution to international society.
“We spend our personal money for the food, accommodation and travel costs,” said Park.
Young Moo Kim, 24, a Civil Engineering student, said he chose to do his voluntary community work in the Philippines because the people here are very cheerful and happy.
As a way of thanking the Hanbat National University, the school prepared a special presentation for the Korean students.
The Paknaan Elementary School performers, who won in Mandaue City’s tableau contest last December, played the ukelele and flute in their Filipiniana costumes.
Another group of performers called “Math Movers,” dressed like minions, also rendered a dance presentation.
The school presented a certificate of appreciation and a locally made hand fan to each of the Korean student volunteers.