BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – Pavia National High School was the focal point of two major educational initiatives on July 5 – the groundbreaking ceremony for new school buildings worth P195.25 million and the distribution of P10,000 in educational assistance by the Uswag Ilonggo party-list.
The Uswag Ilonggo’s Cong. James “Jojo” Ang, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education, is addressing the critical shortage of classrooms.
The P195.25-million investment in education will fund the construction of three new school buildings at Pavia National High School, providing 50 new classrooms and an auditorium.
Schools Division Superintendent of Iloilo, Ernesto Servillon Jr., emphasized the impact of this project: “Cong. Jojo Ang’s support from Uswag Ilonggo is very significant because he augmented our resources. This made it easier for our governor, existing regular congressmen, and mayors to help us provide classrooms.”
He added: “The problem of classroom shortages is gradually being solved, and this gives me peace of mind as the schools superintendent.”
Details of New Classroom Buildings
* Building 1 – 3 storeys, 6 classrooms, costing P23,500,000
* Building 2 – 4 storeys, 20 classrooms, costing P76,750,000
* Building 3 – 5 storeys, 24 classrooms and one auditorium, costing P95,000,000
Congressman Ang reiterated his commitment to education: “One of our problems in education is the shortage of classrooms for our children, which is necessary for a comfortable learning environment and to accommodate more students in our public schools.”
“We will solve this problem by building three new school buildings worth P195.25 million for 50 classrooms and one auditorium at Pavia National High School. This is our way to help the Department of Education solve this long-standing issue in our schools.”
In addition to the groundbreaking ceremony, Uswag Ilonggo party-list distributed P10,000 in educational assistance to each of 476 scholars, ensuring they receive continuous support throughout their academic journey until graduation.
Key officials and stakeholders attending the ceremony included Regional Director Sanny Boy Oropel of the Department of Public Works and Highways – Region 6, Cong. Mike Gorriceta of Iloilo’s 2nd District, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., and Principal IV Lourdes Montefrio of Pavia National High School.
Mayors from Pavia (Luigi Gorriceta), Santa Barbara (Dennis Superficial), Zarraga (Jofel Soldevilla), Leganes (Jun-jun Jaen), and New Lucena (Liecel Seville), along with Pavia Sangguniang Bayan members and Pavia barangay officials, were also present.
Congressman Gorriceta highlighted the importance of the financial assistance: “It is a great help to every family. Enrollment is near, and some have already started enrolling, so they can focus on their studies. They no longer have to look for money to pay for their miscellaneous fees or other expenses.”
He added: “Education is very important. With our partnership with SDS (Schools Division Superintendent, Mayor Luigi (Gorriceta), and our principals, it is wonderful because everyone helps, not just the mayor and congressman. We are fortunate to have our partner, Uswag Ilonggo.”/PN
