Veco to construct building at Labangon Elementary School

CEBU, Philippines – The lack of classrooms at the Labangon Elementary School may no longer be a problem in June, in time for the opening of classes, after the Visayan Electric Company decided to construct a three-storey, three-classroom school building.

Acting Mayor Michael Rama and the Veco officials headed by its president Dennis Garcia already signed the memorandum of agreement yesterday so the construction of the P2.2-million project could start immediately.

Veco public information officer Ethel Natera said that of the P2,241,000 allocated for the construction, Veco has decided to shoulder P1,568,700 while the remaining 30 percent will be shouldered by the city as its counterpart.

Education consultant Joy Augustus Young is hoping that Veco will continue its corporate social responsibility program by putting emphasis on education.

The signing of the MOA at the City Hall yesterday was witnessed by Aboitiz Foundation chairman Jon Ramon Aboitiz and Department of Education-Cebu City Division superintendent, Dr. Lorna Rances.

“Education is one of the areas we should all give emphasis on. With education, we empower the young population,” Rama said during the signing.

Rances also assured both Veco and the Aboitiz Foundation that funds will be set aside for the maintenance of the school building and ensure its continued use.

Natera said the agreement is that the Aboitiz Foundation, Veco's counterpart in CSR programs, will administer the release of funds and its proper utilization for the building construction.

The agreement stipulates that the construction will be completed five months from now, or in September. Aside from the building itself, Veco will also furnish the classrooms with tables and chairs.

It was learned that the Labangon Elementary School is the fourth recipient of Veco's education program since 2008.

The first project was carried out in Banilad Night High School, then at the Cantipla Integrated School, and at the Lataban Elementary School in Liloan. – Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)