LC council OKs P2.2 M budget for Gabaldon school repair
The Laoag City Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved the allocation of P2,242,503.26 for the repair of the south wing of the Gabaldon Elementary School building, which had been damaged by typhoons. Laoag City Councilor Primo Jay S. Ramos, education committee chair, said the allocated amount would be used for the repair of the ceiling and roofing of the six classrooms located at the said wing of the school building. Ramos however clarified that the approved amount would not be sufficient to cover the complete repair of the building but added that it would be a good start to rehabilitate the school building. Currently, classes that are supposed to use the said classrooms are using the school’s stage as their temporary classrooms. This situation, according to Ramos, does not bode well for the pupils in terms of being able to study well since the area they are using as classrooms is very open and has also put the schoolchildren at risk especially when it rains. Ramos stressed that the children need to have complete concentration for them to be able to understand the lesson they are being taught. The Ilocos Times visited the said damaged part of the building and found out that the ceiling of the said classrooms had almost collapsed and would be dangerous for the children to use. Presently though, the said classrooms had been cordoned off by school officials to prevent anyone from venturing into the area and figuring in accidents. The P2.2 million allocated by the council is sourced from the 5 percent calamity fund of the city government. The Ilocos Times also learned that complete repair of the damaged wing had been estimated to cost P7 million. Earlier, Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas sought the assistance of Sen. Francis Pangilinan, during a visit of the senator in the province, for the repair of the school building. No development however had come out of Fariñas’ request as of this time. Dominic B. dela Cruz
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