TACLOBAN CITY – The Atty. Roque A. Marcos Memorial School (ARAMMS) in La Paz, Leyte, now has a modern, one-storey building with four spacious classrooms to provide students with a conducive learning environment.

The newly completed facility, built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO), addresses the longstanding classroom shortages at ARAMMS, which serves over 2,000 learners from Grades 7 to 12.
Each classroom measures 9 by 7 meters and is equipped with essential amenities, including blackboards, electric fans, lighting fixtures, wash areas, restrooms, and ramps for persons with disabilities (PWDs). These features aim to create a comfortable, safe, and inclusive environment for both students and teachers.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura highlighted the significance of the project, saying, “The new classrooms at ARAMMS will provide much-needed space for students and help support the school’s mission of delivering quality education. These facilities ensure that students have access to the necessary resources for their holistic development.”

Lodigario Dianito Jr., Teacher III at ARAMMS, expressed relief over the completion of the project, noting how it addressed several challenges faced by the school. Previously, students were crowded into small classrooms, with some rooms prone to flooding and uneven flooring.

“When it rains, water floods inside the rooms. Additionally, one room has uneven flooring, making it unsafe for classes. Now, Grade 8 students will be using the new building, which allows us to resume previously dissolved classes and accommodate more learners comfortably,” Dianito shared.

Dianito also acknowledged the impact of the additional classrooms on the school’s operations and student morale.

“On behalf of our 86 personnel and more than 2,000 learners, we are deeply grateful for these new classrooms. The modern and conducive learning spaces will motivate students to attend school regularly while alleviating the challenges of classroom shortages,” he added.

The P10.9 million project, funded under the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) for FY 2023, was completed on September 28, 2024.The construction adhered to DPWH and DepEd standards for quality and safety, ensuring durability and accessibility.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY-The holiday season was made extra special for 215 young learners of Liberty Integrated School as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) held its “Share a Joy” gift-giving activity. From daycare tots to sixth graders, the kids received an array of gifts aimed at brightening their days and easing their school needs.

District Engineer Rosita A. Tinawin shared her sentiments during the event, stating, “This is one way of giving back what we have received na blessings. Sana po itong mga dala namin ay magamit ng tama at sana din makatulong. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!”

The students were delighted to receive school supplies and other essentials such as umbrellas, raincoats, tumblers, lunch boxes, and food packs. This initiative was made possible by the generous contributions of the Leyte 4th DEO employees, who came together to make the event a reality.

School teacher Ms. Mary Ann S. Malasaga expressed her heartfelt gratitude in behalf of the faculty. “Your thoughtful gestures bring joy, motivation, and encouragement for our young minds. Thank you for your remarkable support and commitment to nurturing the next generation. Thank you very much,” she remarked.

The “Share a Joy” activity exemplifies the Department’s dedication not just to infrastructure development, but also building meaningful connections with the community they serve. The event left the children with beaming smiles and hearts full of holiday cheer, truly capturing the essence of sharing during Christmas.(PR)

PALO, Leyte– A giant Christmas tree made from bamboo once again takes center stage at this year’s Pasko ha Palo celebration, showcasing both artistry and cultural pride.
Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla and Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla led the ceremonial switch-on of the bamboo Christmas tree and other festive decorations on Saturday, December 14.

The displays are located at the municipal plaza, public market, Purisima Bridge, and Bernard Reed Bridge.

“We want to showcase bamboo not only as a decoration but as a symbol of resilience. The strength of bamboo represents the strength of the Filipino people, especially the people of Palo,” Mayor Petilla said.

Highlighting the use of bamboo in their decorations also aligns with the town’s efforts to develop an engineered bamboo industry to complement Leyte’s coconut industry.

“We can develop furniture and other products using bamboo for practical and daily use,” Petilla added. Palo has started planting giant bamboo varieties at their old dumpsite, which will soon be transformed into a bamboo park.

Adding to the holiday festivities, Mayor Petilla also led the opening of the Saboren Christmas Fantasy House in Barangay Luntad.

Every December, the Saboren family transforms the first floor of their home into a magical Christmas fantasy house.

This year, miniature Christmas villages, hundreds of Santa Claus figures, and other festive decorations—imported from the United States, Italy, and Germany—are on display, delighting both residents and visitors from neighboring towns.

Hundreds of visitors eagerly lined up to enter the fantasy house after Mayor Petilla and the Saboren family officially opened it with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Pasko ha Palo is part of the town’s 4Ps tourism program, which also includes Pamalandong ha Palo (Holy Week observance), Patron ha Palo (town fiesta every August), and Pagbalik ha Palo (Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration every October).
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)