Learners and educators in this 4th-class municipality are set to benefit from safer and more supportive learning spaces as Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr. led the mass inauguration and turnover today of 14 school infrastructure projects worth over P26.2 million funded through the Provincial School Board (PSB).
The projects include new covered gyms in Tina ES, Bingauan ES, Agusipan IS, Calansanan ES, Iniligan ES, Sinta ES, and Tamocol ES; water systems in Badiangan NHS and Odiongan ES; classroom buildings; perimeter fences; slope protection; and pathway concreting.
These facilities aim to improve access, safety, and the overall school experience of learners, teachers, and parents.
Governor Defensor, in his message, underscored the province’s continuing commitment to education despite it no longer being a devolved function of LGUs.
“Gina-angkon naton nang responsibilidad sang edukasyon kag eskwelahan kaupod naton ang DepEd bisan indi na sya devolved nga ubra sang aton local government units… Kay wala na mas importante pa sa pag-alam sang aton mga kabataan. Ubuson naton ang pwersa naton kapin pa sang special education fund to make a difference,” said Defensor.
For Maryfe C. Panaligan, Principal of Tina Elementary School, the projects represent a long-term investment in education.
“These infrastructure projects are more than just building or facilities, they represent a commitment to providing safe, conducive, and supportive environments for our school children to learn and grow,” said Panaligan.
Parents also welcomed the projects with gratitude as Narciso Pios, Federated PTA President of Badiangan, stressed the value of shared responsibility.
“Our joint effort will surely deliver bigger service to our schools. Rest assured that our leaders will work with real honesty, transparency, and integrity.
Let this community be one, where service is the priority for the welfare of those entrusted to our care,” said Pios.
Teachers also highlighted the practical benefits for learners. For Joy Abelo, Master Teacher II at Tina ES, the new gym and stage will not only serve the school but also the entire district.
“It has a big impact to us, for this will be the venue for sports and our school programs. Not only in our school, but also the district of Badiangan—schools in the whole district of Badiangan.”
Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon said the projects mark progress for Badiangan, which continues to aspire for development despite being a 4th-class municipality.
“We are striving to go higher and to move forward and to go further with these infrastructure projects. These will make our children grow and develop kag mataw-an naton sang mayad nga environment which is conducive to learning,” added Mamon.
With these projects now in place, Badiangan’s schools are expected to provide learners with not only better facilities but also stronger foundations for growth and success.
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