BORONGAN CITY (PIA) — Students can now heave a sigh of relief against the scorching weather following the opening of a newly-constructed amphitheatre in Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) – Guiuan Campus.
Gene Acosta, Supreme Student Council President of ESSU-Guiuan, said the amphitheatre will be beneficial to the students because they can now conduct their activities in a cool venue away from the extreme heat especially that the municipality of Guiuan has recorded a scorching 55 degrees Celsius heat index this month.
“I would like to thank the individuals behind the establishment of this amphitheater especially to 4Ps Partylist Representative Marcelino Libanan and Congresswoman Abunda for establishing this amphitheater that would be helpful to the students and to the academic community of ESSU and Guiuan, they are the foundation of student development,” Acosta added.
Minority Floor Leader and 4Ps Partylist Representative Marcelino Libanan hoped that the new P30-million building would serve as an inspiration where new ideas are born, as well as an avenue of meaningful discussions and exemplary successes.
He also identified education as the main driver of progress and development.
“Let’s take heart in agriculture, to do good in tourism, in environmental protection, and invest so much in our human resource because it is our people, especially our next generation, who could help us to be more progressive and who will help in developing a peaceful and loving community, so with this in mind, I am always constrained to work so much on education,” Libanan said.
Libanan also thanked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for constructing a sturdy infrastructure that could also serve as an evacuation center for the people of Guiuan should another typhoon come.
According to DPWH District Engineer Domcelio Natividad, the funding of the construction of the Phase 2 or the completion of the multi-purpose building was secured through the efforts of Libanan. It includes painting works, plumbing and sanitary works, electrical works, as well as installation of CCTV System, and other mechanical works.
Representative Maria Fe Abunda initially allocated P5 million pesos for the Phase 1 of the project for its structural works, such as the foundation, columns, and platforms.
Domcelio added that the project is a symbol of hope and progress in Eastern Samar. Phase 1 of the construction started in September 2022, while Phase 2 started in May 2023.
ACT-CIS Partylist Representative Erwin Tulfo also commended Libanan and Governor Ben Evardone for giving emphasis on the importance of education by supporting the projects and programs of the university in its goal of progress and development.
He added that the Estehanons should no longer go to Manila to study in prestigious universities because ESSU now provides quality education. He highlighted the significant feat of ESSU in producing top board passers in various board examinations particularly in the recent Licensure Examination for Teachers where an ESSU-Guiuan graduate clinched the 8th spot.
Also present were Dr. Andres Pagatpatan Jr., Mayor Annaliz Gonzales-Kwan, Prof. Jared Harem Q. Celis, Dr. Vicente Agda, faculty and staff of ESSU-Guiuan, and Fr. Antonio Alconaba. (VTG, PIA E.Samar)
