A monumental stride towards community development and education, Tagum Cooperative fulfills a long-held dream by donating two classrooms with toilets to three different schools, namely, Taongatok Elementary School of the Department of Education – Division of Davao del Norte, San Isidro Elementary School of the Department of Education – Division of Tagum City, and New Visayas High School of the Department of Education – Division of Davao de Oro. The ambitious Build-a-Classroom project marks a turning point in realizing the collective vision of providing better learning environments for our young learners.
Tagum Cooperative Chairperson of the Board of Director, Nenita R. Malbas, CPA, MBA, expressed the cooperative’s commitment to addressing the community’s educational needs: “We recognized the pressing need for additional classrooms during our visits, where we witnessed the challenges faced by students in dilapidated surroundings. How can we expect children to focus on their studies when their environment is compromised? That’s why we initiated the Build-a-Classroom Project. I promised Datu Salud that I would return with good news, and today, we have not only returned but also marked the groundbreaking for this transformative project.”
Rhaciel Pablo, the principal of Taongatok Elementary School, conveyed heartfelt gratitude: “We are immensely thankful to Tagum Cooperative for the classrooms donated to our school. The impact of these classrooms extends beyond mere infrastructure; it creates a positive first impression for our students. A well-designed and functional classroom inspires them to learn. Thank you, Tagum Cooperative.”
Reynaldo Mellorida, CESO VI, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education Division of Davao del Norte, acknowledged the limitations of government resources: “On behalf of the Department of Education, our teachers, school heads, students, and parents, we extend our profound gratitude to Tagum Cooperative for this Build-a-Classroom Project. Government resources are limited, and we are truly appreciative of the support from Tagum Cooperative. Through initiatives like this, we can help our youth achieve their aspirations.”
Cristy C. Epe, CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education Division of Davao de Oro, grateful to the donation: “I am grateful to this Build-a-classroom project, this strongly stands to what we believe that our children are our future. And of course, despite the challenges of yesterday and even today’s situation, the earthquake and tremors, still Tagum Cooperative and the Department of Education, teachers and the barangay captain are very supportive in bringing this project into its fruition.”
New Visayas High School teacher has also shared her thoughts: “Finally, we do not need to have shifting classes, our students can now have whole day classes. We are truly grateful to this Build-a-classroom project, and to the Board of Directors of Tagum Cooperative, who have also chosen us to be one of its recipients.”
A genuine gratitude was shared by Ms. Merlie Corder, a teacher at San Isidro Elementary School, and a recipient of one of the classrooms: “Finally, I won’t have to constantly shift my belongings and my students won’t have to endure the challenges of moving from one place to another. It’s been a long journey of relocating classrooms, sometimes in the gym or borrowing space from other classrooms. Thanks to the Build-a-Classroom Project, we can now create a stable and inspiring learning environment. Gratitude fills our hearts.”This initiative by Tagum Cooperative serves as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the pivotal role that collaborative efforts play in uplifting communities and fostering a brighter future for the next generation. Angenel Clariz D. Rufon