2 Kalinga schools built by TV firm, locals, army

By Peter A. Balocnit

PINUKPUK, Kalinga -- Two school buildings here have been completed and turned-over to the Department of Education for occupancy come school opening this June.

            Col. Yerson Depayso, commanding officer of the 501st Infantry Brigade, whose command supervised the construction, reported that the two units of two classrooms-school buildings were constructed at the Pinukpuk Elementary School, barangay Junction this municipality.

            He said the construction materials were provided by ABS-CBN Foundation, the labor by the Parents-Teachers Association, and supervision by the 513rd Army Engineering Brigade under 1Lt. Romel Maling.

            “Under the government’s Public-Private Partnership program or PPP, slowly we can bring the necessary development facilities in the rural areas,” he said adding that the bayanihan program of the AFP is also playing the role as catalyst to bring change in the countryside.

            He said there are philanthropists or groups willing to help people and communities who are also sincere to help themselves acquire basic needs like education.

            He also said that Philippine Chamber of Commerce is also looking for a recipient school on another school building to be funded by the group.

            “We are coordinating with DepEd to identify a place and school where this project will be constructed,” Depayso said.

            Balbalan was initially identified but the specific school is yet to be selected.