A three-storey, 18-classroom building, worth P90 million, will be constructed at Sagay National High School (SNHS), and will provide additional learning spaces for nearly 4,800 students.
The project, which broke ground Aug. 13, is a partnership of the city government of Sagay and Okada Foundation Inc., through the efforts of 2nd District Rep. Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III.
It is expected to be completed in one year.
SNHS principal Jerson Donasco said the project had been in development for around two years, and expected to provide permanent classrooms for students currently accommodated in temporary learning spaces.
“We currently have 12 sections holding classes in makeshift classrooms. After a year, we hope these students will already be transferred to this new building,” Donasco said in a city press release.
He thanked the city government, DepEd officials, Okada Foundation Inc., and Marañon for bringing the long-awaited project closer to completion.
OIC schools division superintendent Dannie Clark Uguil described the groundbreaking as another significant development for SNHS after the school welcomed home Sagay’s world champions – the 12U and 14U softball teams – Aug. 11.
“This 18-classroom building is the beginning of new hope for the school. It will not only address our classroom needs, but will become a place where our learners can pursue their aspirations and where our teachers can better facilitate learning,” Uguil said.
Speaking on behalf of Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., Councilor Benson Fernandez said the growing student population requires sustained investment in classrooms and other facilities.
He noted that SNHS accommodates thousands of learners, including students coming from neighboring areas, such as Escalante and Toboso, while also offering specialized programs, like the Special Program in Sports.
Fernandez said the project reflects the city’s continuing effort to improve school facilities and make education more accessible to learners.
Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said the growing enrollment at SNHS is an indication of the trust place in the school’s quality of education, as he stressed the need to continuously expand its facilities.
“Imagine having almost 4,800 students. In the long run, we really need more classrooms and facilities. We are fortunate that we have partners in the national government and the private sector who help us address these needs,” Cueva said.
He thanked Marañon for helping secure the partnership with Okada Foundation, adding the new building will significantly ease the school’s classroom shortage.
Cueva also encouraged students to maximize the opportunities provided to them, and expressed hope that construction could proceed as scheduled so students could use the new classrooms by next school year.
Marañon said the project resulted from discussions with Okada Foundation Inc., whose president personally visited Sagay and inspected the proposed site around two years ago before deciding to support the construction of the building.
“We are fortunate to have this project here in Sagay. We have many dreams for Sagay National High School because this is our central high school, and we know that it still needs more classrooms and facilities,” the congressman said.
He said discussions with school officials have also highlighted the need for additional workshops and spaces for programs in arts, theater, music, sports, and other fields.
Marañon also shared the city’s longer-term aspiration to establish an auditorium that could provide students with a dedicated venue for performances and school activities.
SNHS Supreme Secondary Learner Government president Julea Ligalig thanked Okada Foundation and government officials for investing in facilities that will serve not only present learners but future generations.
“There is something beautiful about a groundbreaking ceremony. Today we see the land, the plans, and the people gathered here, but someday a student we do not even know yet will walk into this building and pursue a dream here,” Ligalig said.
School Parent-Teacher Association president Zachri Gabor said the project will benefit thousands of learners, and encouraged government and education leaders to continue working together for the development of the school and the community. ||
