ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY (PIA) — Students of Peñaranda Elementary School in Barangay Peñaranda, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay—one of the remote areas affected by insurgency in the Zamboanga Peninsula—are now more comfortable and excited to attend school.
According to their teachers, the new classrooms, equipped with complete facilities, provide a better learning experience for the children.
“Maka-ingon jud kag 101 percent conducive learning for learners na gyud siya. Apil na ang teachers kay naa na siya’y teachers table, chairs sa teacher. Okay na jud kaayu siya,” said Teacher Emilyn Namoco.
(You can really say it’s 101 percent conducive to learning for the students. Even the teachers benefit because there’s now a teacher’s table and chairs. It’s all set and great!)
With a total funding of P6.6 million, two fully-equipped school buildings were constructed under the Support to the Barangay Development Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9.
As a result, student absenteeism has decreased, while children have shown greater enthusiasm for learning. Teachers have also become more motivated, further strengthening the quality of education in the community.
“Di na jud pareho sa un ana maka agi pa mig, tulo, salibo. Nindot na jud kaayu ang room karon. Salamat kaayu,” a student named Jairah Mae Madayag said.
(It’s no longer like before when we had to endure roofleaks and discomfort. The classroom is really beautiful now. Thank you so much.)
“Nagpasalamat ko sa gobyerno karon kay naa nay building, nindot na. naa nay TV,” Reyna Jane C. Denila, another student said.
(I’m thankful to the government because we now have a new building—it’s beautiful, and we even have a TV.)
By providing better education to children in conflict-affected areas, the government expects to bring hope and inspiration to the new generation, guiding them to choose the right path and a better life.
According to the DILG, 161 projects were successfully completed from 2021 to 2023 under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP). In 2024, five projects are set for final inspection, while 19 projects in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay are still ongoing. Three projects are in the procurement process.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has also directed the allocation of an additional ₱5 million per affected-barangay to support the SBDP, ensuring continued development in beneficiary communities. (CCP/PIA9)
