ITOGON, Benguet – On March 11, 2025 the municipal government, in partnership with MAHC Construction managed by Albert L. Sagandoy, proudly hosted the blessing and turnover ceremony for the Laurencio Fianza National High School Open Gym worth PhP7,496,695.23. The event took place in Proper, Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet, marking a significant milestone for the community.
The idea for the covered gymnasium had long been a shared dream among the Barangay officials, school faculty, learners, and parents, who recognized the pressing need for such a facility. Their collective vision for a safe and versatile space to host various school and community activities began to take shape over time. With this dream in mind, the municipal government stepped in, offering crucial support and funding to make the construction of the project a reality.
The ceremony served not only as a formal handover of the open gymnasium but also as a celebration of the community’s united effort in turning a long-held aspiration into a tangible asset for the school and its surrounding area. The new gym will serve as a hub for numerous activities, benefiting both students and the local community for many years to come.
The gymnasium will provide students with a covered facility for outdoor school activities, sports and general events, as well as serve as a community center for various activities and as an evacuation in case of typhoons. It will also be used by other primary and secondary schools in the vicinity.
The recent hand-over ceremony of the newly constructed school facility was a momentous occasion that brought together various individuals and groups, all of whom played a vital role in making the project a reality. The event was graced by several prominent figures, marking the significance of the day for the community.
The ceremony was officially opened by Hon. Bernard S. Waclin, the municipal mayor, who delivered a heartfelt speech to the gathered crowd. His presence underscored the importance of the event to the local government, signifying not only the completion of a critical community project but also a commitment to improving education within the municipality. As the mayor spoke, the pride in the community’s achievement was evident, and it was clear that this new facility would positively impact future generations.
Among those in attendance was Municipal Engineer Michelle A. Busacay, who had overseen the construction of the facility. Her role was instrumental in ensuring that the building met all the necessary specifications, safety standards, and structural integrity. The completion of the facility was a testament to her dedication and expertise. She stood alongside other officials as the facility was formally handed over, knowing her hard work had helped turn the dream into reality.
One of the most significant moments of the day was the official inauguration of the school facility, which was carried out by Public Schools District Supervisor Jonthan G. Sadey. As the District Supervisor, he understood the value of this new space for both the students and the educators. His words were full of optimism for the future, as he emphasized the potential of the facility to provide quality education to many children for years to come.
The ceremony also saw the presence of local leaders, including Barangay Officials, who showed their support for the project and its role in the community. Their involvement symbolized the strong partnership between the local government and the community, emphasizing how working together can create lasting change. Additionally, the PTA Officials, representing the parents and teachers, were there, reflecting the importance of parental involvement in educational progress. Parents and learners, who would be the direct beneficiaries of the facility, filled the space with excitement and gratitude, knowing that their children would now have access to a better learning environment.
The event was further blessed by the presence of two respected religious leaders, Rev. Father Dexter L. Martin and Rev. Dave Earl Wansi. These figures offered prayers and blessings for the facility, invoking a sense of spiritual hope and well-being for the students who would learn there, as well as for the teachers and community members who would contribute to the school’s success. Their participation in the ceremony provided a sense of peace and reverence, reinforcing the importance of the facility as a place of growth, not only academically but also morally and spiritually.
This event highlighted the collaborative effort to improve educational facilities and ensure better learning environments for students, showcasing the community’s commitment to education and development.
As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our gratitude to all those involved in making this project a reality. It is our sincere hope that the new gymnasium will serve as a hub for physical activity, personal development and growth, as well as community engagement for generations to come, stated by Mayor Waclin. By Jaime B. Coligman
