New classrooms for IP school

Davao City - Marites Chan was transferred from Binugao National High School in Barangay Binugao, Davao City to become teacher-in-charge at Mt. Apo National High School about 15 kilometers or a 30-minute ride away.

Marites wasn’t bothered by the distance, but what greeted her on her first day made her heart sink.

“There was nothing there. No chairs, no classrooms, no water, no electricity. Nothing,” she recounted.

Around 50 students from the indigenous Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe used to hold classes inside makeshift classrooms made of wood and other light materials, which were either too open and rickety or too dark and cramped, making it hard for them to learn.

Fortunately, AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor, in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation and the Davao City government, donated to Mt. Apo National High School earlier this year two well-lit and well-ventilated class- rooms, fully-furnished with armchairs, teacher’s tables, blackboards, ceiling fans, and comfort rooms.

“I believe that these new classrooms will inspire everyone, both faculty and students, to continue making a difference in this community and beyond. We are truly grateful to Hedcor and the Davao City government for this blessing,” Marites said.

The donation is part of Hedcor’s initiatives to support the Department of Education in bringing quality learning to indigenous peoples./

The donation is part of Hedcor’s initiatives to support Department of Education in bringing quality learning to indigenous peoples.