MARAWI CITY (PIA)--After almost five months of toiling with pure perseverance mixed with steadfast optimism, a once bullet-ridden school situated in a far-flung locality in Butig town in Lanao del Sur province has sensationally transformed into an institution conducive to the delivery of quality education. 

This, as the Philippine Army through the 103rd Infantry Brigade, 55th Engineer Brigade, and their respective battalions alongside the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC) and the municipal government of Butig unveiled the newly revamped Ragayan Elementary School located in Brgy. Ragayan.

The project was successful in its goal of improving educational infrastructure and youth prospects. PAFCPIC funded this to benefit 314 pupils in Grades 1 to 6 and their teachers immediately.

PAFCPIC Director Retired Col. Emmanuel Gongora attested that students of the benefitting school have been uncomfortable pursuing their education for the past years due to dilapidated rooms. 

With the successful attainment of their goal, he was confident that they could already pursue their studies comfortably while teachers could carry out their mandate effectively. 

Gongora encouraged the constituents to maintain the infrastructure and make it an inspiration to strengthen their unity and collaboration. 

“Ang pagtatapos ng proyekto ay panibagong yugto at pagsisimula ng mga kabataan ng Brgy. Ragayan. Sama-sama nating salubungin ang kinabukasan na may determinasyon at ngiti sa ating mga mata,” he said. 

(The end of this project signifies a new chapter and beginning for our youths in Brgy. Ragayan. Together, let us welcome our future with determination and a smile in our eyes).

Meanwhile, 103rd Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Billy Dela Rosa conveyed fulfillment and relief, as after nearly nine years since Ragayan Elementary School collapsed due to a firefight between the government troops and DI-MG from 2015 to 2016, had been restored and even ready to offer quality education to students. 

For him, this was one of his dreams realized, which made him sentimental about this initiative, especially since the narrative of the reminisced wartime included how he witnessed several soldiers and victims who perished and were drastically affected.

As Ragayan Elementary School stood with regained honor and dignity, Dela Rosa looked forward to the idea that such an educational building would serve as an inspiration and gateway to opportunities for future generations. 

He likewise wanted this project to stand as an instrument for motivating everyone to foster peace and order in Butig town. 

“Huwag nating bitawan ang katahimikan na nararamdaman na natin ngayon. Huwag nating pabayaan na bumalik pa ang grupo na naghahasik ng terorismo sa Butig. Huwag nating pabayaan na mawala ang dreams ng mga bata, at ang kanilang oportunidad na magkaroon ng magandang buhay,” said Dela Rosa. 

(Let us not let go of the tranquility that we enjoy now. Let us not allow the groups that spread terrorism in Butig to return. Let us not let the children's dreams and opportunities to live good lives vanish).

Apart from inaugurating the new school, the PAFCPIC likewise led the distribution of school supplies, books, and personal hygiene kits to target young recipients. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)