TACLOBAN CITY- The SM Foundation continues to extend assistance to areas hit by super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ that pummeled Leyte close to four years now.
Last Thursday(August 31), the SM Foundation formally turned over new two-story four classroom building to Cogon Central School (CCS) in Ormoc City.
It was learned that the donated building is the first new building erected within the CCS compound in 20 years.
The CCS is among the biggest public elementary schools in Ormoc with around 900 students. The city, among areas hard-hit by Yolanda, is still reeling from the aftermath of the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that hit the area last July 6.
Rojie Talle, 12 and a Grade six student, said that she is very grateful to the SM Foundation for their donation to their school.
“We are elated that after a long time of fervent prayer and waiting, finally the SM Foundation (has) given us a new school building. Words cannot express how excited we are to move in to our new classroom,” she said.
The facility was accepted by school officials led by its principal, Marita Albienda, and city councilor Nolito Quilang, representing Mayor Richard Gomez.
The SM Foundation was led by Carmen Linda Atayde, executive director for education.
Three Grade 6 sections will occupy the rooms with the remaining one classroom to be utilized for students who will be enrolled under the alternative learning system (ALS), said Juris Soliman of the SM Foundation.
The UBS, a Switzerland- based bank, partnered with the SM Foundation on the construction of this school building.
School principal Marita Albienda also expressed her gratitude to the school building donors.
“It is with great pride and honor that our school was chosen by the SM Foundation from among the various schools in Ormoc City division,” she said.
The school building is equipped with armchairs, teacher’s tables, wall fans, blackboards, and toilets.
It is also said to be the first PWD (person with disabilities)-friendly school in the city as it was built with ramps and toilets for PWDs. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
