In a ceremony, the Sulu Provincial Government officially handed over two newly constructed classrooms and 104 plastic armchairs to Patikul National High School. 

The ceremony held at Umangay, Patikul, Sulu on Jan. 10 brought a renewed sense of optimism to the students who expressed gratitude to the government, for they no longer have to conduct their classes outside and on a half-day schedule to accommodate all classes due to the bulk of students. 

“Magsukul tuud kami, pasal sin ini dih na kami magclass a stage (We are truly grateful because now we don't have to conduct classes on the stage anymore),” one of the students claimed. 

Facing the challenge of accommodating a growing number of students each year, the school didn't have enough classrooms, which forced teachers and students to hold classes within the constraints of the social hall.

Facing the challenge of accommodating a growing number of students each year, the school didn't have enough classrooms, which forced teachers and students to hold classes within the constraints of the social hall.The sacrifice of conducting separate morning and afternoon sessions was a difficult but necessary choice.

Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan expressed his delight at the prospect of students no longer utilizing the social hall as temporary classrooms. With the addition of two new classrooms, dedicated to Grades 9 and 10 students respectively, the school can now provide a more conducive and dedicated space for learning.

Meanwhile, 6,600 school chairs and educational supplies were also delivered to the far-flung islands of Tawi-Tawi on January 4 through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NAVFORWEM). 

The Western Mindanao Command, through NAVFORWEM, will continue its advocacy as a reliable partner of other government agencies in developing the communities to include the efforts of the national and local governments in creating a conducive learning environment for students, particularly in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas of Western Mindanao. 

This joint initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of the Sulu and Tawi-Tawi Provincial Governments to educational progress. Recognizing education's role in community development, this partnership seeks to contribute to the growth and future success of the regions. 

The delivery of new schools and supplies signifies a collective investment in the potential of students, paving the way for a brighter and more promising educational landscape in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. (NBW/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)