School built via green design turned over

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers-Cebu Chapter, in partnership with the Cebu Contractors Association Inc., turned over yesterday their "green" school building project to the beneficiaries of the 6.5-hectare relocation site in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City.

The green building uses green technology and was conceptualized by PICE. The building's green design, according to officials, would maximize free flow of air to enhance the structure's ventilation.

Some recyclable materials were also used in the construction of the building.

Although it will be used primarily as a day care center for children aged three to four years old, the green building is also being modified by this group of civil engineers so it could also be converted into an evacuation center during calamities.

PICE-Cebu President Daisy Toledo said that the green building constructed in Barangay Paknaan is just one of the five day care centers in Region 7 donated by the professionals' group.

Toledo said all the five green buildings that they have donated have the same designs, which was among the 16 designs that won in a contest joined by PICE's 90 chapters across the Philippines last year.

Each of the green buildings donated, Toledo said, has a floor area of 63 square meters with an initial budget of P300,000 each during the planning period.

But in the case of the green building at 6.5-hectare relocation site, the construction outlayed P650,000 with all labor costs and materials provided by CCAI.

CCAI President Paul Dy said that he hopes the beneficiaries will take good care of the building, especially that another project is also being asked from them by the beneficiaries.

Aside from the day care center, they also asked from the PICE and CCAI the construction of a multi-purpose hall which they can use for their livelihood projects.  (FREEMAN)