NADESCOM, ABS-CBN Leads Groundbreaking for Brgy Pandan School Building

         BGen Rene Pilapil, the Deputy Commander of the National Development Support Command (NADESCOM), AFP, was the guest of honor during the groundbreaking activities last June 30, 2011 for the construction of a two-classroom school building on the campus of Pandan High School in Brgy Pandan, Castilla, Sorsogon. ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation, Inc., which was represented by Mr Marcel Rinon, will shoulder the cost of building materials. The municipality of Castilla headed by Mayor Olive “Padi” Bermillo committed to pay for the labor.

Through the initiative of the 903^rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army headed by Col Felix J Castro Jr., the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation Inc. was convinced to sponsor the construction of the school building. He also persuaded Mayor Bermillo to shoulder the cost of labor as their counterpart. The additional classrooms will allow the school to accept students up to the 4^th year level next school year.

In his speech, BGen Pilapil lauded the collective efforts of the community stakeholders for the project which is a reflection of their unity and cooperation. He thanked ABS-CBN for all the charitable endeavors it is undertaking in line with its social responsibility to the people. He complimented Mayor Bermillo for the efforts in bringing development in the area. He urged everyone to continue the “bayanihan” spirit in every undertaking that they will pursue.

Mrs Lucia Villa, the teacher-in-charge of Pandan High School, was overwhelmed in gratitude for the effort of the soldiers. In her speech, she mentioned that they never expected this “gift” which came as a surprise. The additional classrooms will also benefit the students from five other barangays who had to walk several kilometers to go to nearby Bgry Dinapa where they study. The barangay officials, parents and other teachers were also very thankful.

Mr Marcel Rinon acknowledged the efforts of Col Castro for bringing ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. to Brgy Pandan. He cited the atmosphere of cooperation among the people which is an indication that the project will be successful. He added that aside from the classrooms, there will also be a feeding program for the small children.

For his part, Mr Vince Nato, the Chief of Staff of Sec Imelda Nicolas of the Commission for Filipinos Overseas, promised to bring additional assistance to the community. He explained that there are many Sorsoganons abroad who are only too willing to help their countrymen. He said that the 903^rd Brigade could act as one of the conduits through which this assistance could be channeled down to the barangays.

The 903^rd Brigade took advantage of the ceremony to present its “Bayanihan Iskolars”. The unit was able to solicit six slots for college scholarships to deserving students of Brgy Pandan.  Two of them – Maybellene Bataller and Marjorie Delayre - are sponsored by ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. Four are sponsored by The Lewis College in Sorsogon City where they are enrolled: Lanilyn Alano, Rhea Salvosa, Lily-Ann Valle and Jose Arnel Mallete. Jose Mallete got the surprise of his life when he was gifted with a wheelchair donated by ABS-CBN. Jose lost both legs when he was 14 years old.

In his remarks, Col Castro reiterated his unit’s commitment to support the government’s development efforts not only in Brgy Pandan and the municipality of Castilla, but to the whole province of Sorsogon. He ended by saying: ”If we will work together, if we are united towards a common goal..then we could achieve whatever we aim for.’

          Hopefully, the large audience and the lively atmosphere during the ceremony was an indication of a bright future ahead.