Army builds makeshift schools for native communities in Bukidnon

BUTUAN CITY – Troops of the Army’s 89^th Infantry Battalion (89^th IB) built makeshift schools as their contribution to quality education for the children of the Matigsalog and Ata Manobo communities in the far-flung areas in Bukidnon province.

Even in the midst of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the 89th IB continued to bring development projects in the geographically isolated, disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas, by constructing makeshift schools. 

In a phone interview with The Manila Bulletin on Thursday afternoon, 10^th Infantry Division (10^th ID) Public Affairs Office (PAO Chief Maj. Edeson M. Abello said the 89^th IB troopers, led by its commander Lt. Col. Silas D. Trasmontero, initially built seven makeshift schools and formally turned them over to the highland communities and Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, August 4.

These makeshift schools for the Matigsalog and Ata Manobo communities are located in the towns of Kitaotao and San Fernando, both of Bukidnon province. 

The establishment of these makeshift schools was a collaboration of the 89^th IB, the local government units, DepEd and the business sector with the “bayanihan” of the IP communities. 

Present during the turn-over ceremony were 1003^rd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, San Fernando Mayor Levi C. Edma, Kitaotao Vice Mayor Edwin I. Abucayan, Dr. Randolph Torotola of the Department of Education in Bukidnon, Division chief Dr. David Mendoza, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Region Director Manuel Orduña, Sangguniang Bayan members and tribal leaders.

Tribal sectoral leaders, led by their chieftain Datu Lito Gambay, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the community for letting them feel that they are being listened to, the 10^th ID PAO chief said.

The project was part of the 89^th IB’s holistic approach in bringing peace, progress and development in the area. 

“These makeshift schools are now open to accommodate IP children and to give them quality education to nurture and secure their future,” said Transmontero.