The Department of Education (DepEd) has opened a new four-classroom building at Banti Elementary School, providing safer and more permanent learning spaces for 152 learners, including 132 students from Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities.
Representing Education Secretary Sonny Angara, DepEd Undersecretary for Human Resources, Organizational Development, and Infrastructure Wilfredo Cabral led the inauguration and blessing of the new facility, which replaces the school’s former makeshift classrooms.
The project supports the government’s efforts to make education more inclusive and accessible, particularly for learners in remote communities. “Kasama sa pinakamahalagang prayoridad ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos at ng DepEd ang pagtiyak na mas magiging inklusibo ang ating edukasyon para mabigyan ang ating mga mag-aaral ng patas at mas malawak na pagkakataong abutin ang kanilang mga pangarap,” Angara said.
“Para sa lahat ng mga bata at pamilya sa anumang bahagi ng lipunan, ang sinumang salat sa yaman ay dapat maging mas mayaman sa edukasyon,” he added, underscoring the importance of bringing quality public education closer to underserved communities.
Funded through the 2024 national budget under the Last Mile Schools Program, the new building uses alternative construction technology and is equipped with solar panels, chairs, and blackboards.
Cabral said the new classrooms should serve not only as spaces for academic learning but also as venues for developing the character and values of learners.
“Ang mga silid-aralang ito ay dapat maging sandigan at kadluan ng karangalan, kaalaman, pagkatuto, at higit sa lahat, ng paghubog sa pag-uugali bilang isang mabuting tao,” Cabral said.
Banti Elementary School Teacher-in-Charge Anhing Luarca highlighted the improvement brought by the new facility, particularly in terms of safety and durability.
“Malaki po ang advantage ng bagong gusali sapagkat matibay ang pagkakagawa nito at hindi basta-basta masisira ng malakas na hangin. Hindi gaya ng mga dating makeshift classroom na madaling masira kapag may masamang panahon,” Luarca said.
He added that the improved learning environment could help IP learners pursue and complete their education while opening opportunities for better lives for their families.
“Malaking tulong ang bagong pasilidad na ito upang makapag-aral nang mabuti ang mga bata, na kalaunan ay maghahatid ng mas magandang buhay sa kanilang pamilya,” Luarca said.
Cabral also encouraged the Banti community to maximize the new facility and use education as a foundation for the future of its young learners. “Lahat tayo ay may kakayahan, kailangan lang po natin itong linangin,” he said, emphasizing the role of education in helping young people contribute to their communities.
The administration and personnel of Banti Elementary School assured DepEd that they would continue to maintain and care for the new building, recognizing it as an important investment in the education and future of the children of Banti.
