(the Provincial Government of Northern Samar)
CATARMAN, Northern Samar – Two school infrastructure projects in Victoria town are set to expand access to secondary education following groundbreaking ceremonies led by Senator Bam Aquino on Sept. 19.
The projects involve the construction of the Maxvilla Senior High School and the expansion and construction of new facilities at Victoria National High School.
The Maxvilla Senior High School project is being funded by the Department of Education (DepEd), while the improvements at Victoria National High School are being financed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).
Aquino was invited to the ceremonies by Victoria Mayor Joey Ardales, who cited the senator’s work on education reform and support for initiatives aimed at improving learning opportunities.
In his message, Aquino emphasized the importance of investing in young people as part of efforts to strengthen communities and the country.
“A successful youth means a successful town, a successful nation, a successful race,” Aquino said.
The senator currently chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, which has jurisdiction over elementary and secondary education, including matters involving students and teachers.
The groundbreaking ceremonies were attended by Northern Samar Gov. Harris Christopher Ongchuan, DepEd Eastern Visayas Director Michael Oliver de Guzman, Schools Division Superintendent Gaudencio Aljibe and other provincial, municipal and education officials.
The projects are expected to provide additional facilities for students in Victoria, particularly those who currently have limited access to school infrastructure in the municipality.
Aquino has also pushed for measures addressing classroom shortages and improving funding and facilities for basic education. In February, he presided over a Senate hearing on public-private partnerships as a possible strategy for addressing classroom congestion.
(EUGENE M. ENANO)
