By PMT Desk

For the first time since 2016, learners and teachers at Ragayan Elementary School in Butig, Lanao del Sur, found themselves in classrooms that weren’t just functional–but also inspiring. 

The school, which bore the scars of a 2016 firefight between government troops and the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group, was finally rehabilitated through collaborative efforts of various army units in the province and the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC).

The project restored eight classrooms, including the construction of a new one and the meticulous restoration of seven classrooms to their original grandeur. 

Additionally, PAFCPIC provided a stage, a shared toilet, a playground, tables, chairs, and a flagpole to create a conducive learning space for students.

The Civil-Military Operations Regiment, the 553rd Engineer Battalion under the 55th Engineer Brigade, and the 5th Infantry Battalion under the 103rd Infantry Brigade jointly contributed to completing the project, demonstrating the power of community rebuilding through unity.

Before the restoration, Ragayan Elementary School faced the daunting challenge of accommodating learners in makeshift classrooms that were far from ideal for effective education. The harsh reality of studying in makeshift classrooms, contending with leaky tarpaulin roofs during rainfall, has left students lacking motivation to attend school.

However, with the recent turnover of the new facilities, a wave of happiness and gratitude has swept through the school community. 

Parent Jasmine Ampatua Ansary expressed her happiness, highlighting the positive change in her child’s attitude towards education. 

“Dati noong hindi pa ito nagagawa, tamad talaga siyang pumasok. Pero ngayon naging excited siya dahil maganda na ang paaralan at hindi na sila nababasa kapag umuulan [before this was done, he was really lazy to go to school. But now, he has become excited because the school is beautiful, and they no longer get wet when it rains],” she said.

Parent Analiah Bakie echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing the significant impact on the pupils’ motivation to learn. She said, “Malaking tulong ito dahil noon walang mga upuan na maganda, pero ngayon mayroon na at kumpleto na sila ng mga gamit sa school. Kaya masaya ang aming mga anak na mag-aaral. Maraming salamat sa tulong nila sa mga anak namin. Gumanda din ang lugar namin dahil sa bagong school.”

[This is a big help because there were no durable chairs before, but now they have them, with ample school supplies. That’s why our children who go to school are happy. Many thanks for their help to our children. Our place also improved because of the new school.]

The teachers, who faced the challenges of teaching in suboptimal conditions, expressed their joy and appreciation for the positive impact these new classrooms and school facilities will have on the students. 

“Very happy kami. Before ang mga student namin minsan hindi pumapasok kasi kapag umuulan walang bubong na maayos so minsan nauulanan kami. Ngayon mas na-encourage silang pumasok at na motivate na mag aral ng mabuti. Kaya taus puso kaming nagpapasalamat,” expressed Almira Bao, a Grade 5 teacher.

[We are so delighted. Before, students occasionally skipped classes due to inadequate roofing, causing them to get wet when it rained. Now, they attend classes with more enthusiasm and motivation to study. We wholeheartedly express our gratitude.]

Grade 6 teacher Hania Panolong said the learners and their parents were heartily pleased with the rehabilitated school buildings. She said she was able to speak with some parents who shared that the excitement of their children is different now compared to before. Accordingly, some kids are even eager to come to school early because they are excited about the new classrooms and playground.

“Kaming mga teachers at stakeholders ng Ragayan Elementary School ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng sponsor, especially sa PAFCPIC, sa LGU ng Butig. Ramdam namin yung tulong ng gobyerno. Ramdam namin na hindi lang kami ang humaharap sa problema bagkus nandito ang national, nandito ang LGU na tumutulong sa amin. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami and hopefully hindi lang ito yung tulong na mareceive namin. Hopeful din kami na mas marami pang sponsor ang maengganyong tumulong dito sa Ragayan,” she said.

[We, the teachers and stakeholders of Ragayan Elementary School, express our gratitude to all sponsors, especially PAFCPIC and the Butig LGU. We feel the government’s support. We believe others also face challenges. The national and local governments are here to help us. So, we are thankful, and hopefully, this won’t be the only assistance we receive. We hope more sponsors will be encouraged to help here in Ragayan.]

As Ragayan Elementary School embarks on a new chapter, the support from the Philippine Army and PAFCPIC stands as a guiding light. Its story is one of triumph over adversity, illustrating that unity and convergence can be a powerful force for positive change. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)