American, PHL forces complete two-classrooms in Capiz

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 29): American, PHL forces complete two-classrooms in Capiz

With the conclusion of Balikatan 2015 just a day, teachers and students of Don Joaquin Artuz Memorial School in Tapaz, Capiz expressed their sincerest thanks to American and Filipino military personnel for giving them two-classroom block/concrete school building.

Major Ray Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said the completion of this project is part of Balikatan's humanitarian assistance and disaster response activities.

He added that the turnover of the classroom culminated during ribbon cutting ceremonies Monday.

In attendance were ranking American and Filipino military officials, local chief executives of Tapaz and Capiz provincial government, officials of the Department of Education, parents, teachers, pupils and the local residents of Taft village in Tapaz.

Glenda Gervero, Don Joaquin Artuz Memorial School principal said; “The aspiration of the pupils to have the classroom conducive for learning has come into reality, and for what this school will achieve in the years ahead is perhaps the most important dimension.”

She believes that there is no better investment that the individual, parents and nation can make than an investment in quality education.

“Rest assured that we will take good care of this memorable and great building that we have and we are determined to make a difference,” Gervero added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and US Armed Forces worked together shoulder-to-shoulder in constructing two classrooms at Don Joaquin Artuz Memorial School from March 15 to April 27.

Both forces also repaired and repainted classrooms at San Nicolas National High School all in Tapaz town as part of the humanitarian civic assistance portion of the Balikatan exercise in Panay.

This year’s maneuvers focused on training for disaster response and preventive health seminars in order to empower local communities in disaster preparedness, response, relief and rehabilitation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=757114