IN 2010, the Ilog-Ilog Elementary School in Barangay Ilog-Ilog, Miag-ao will celebrate its 100th year. But a plan for a grand celebration has yet to be put off because it has to make do with what it really needs - an uplift, so it could be conducive to learning.

The school's building, called Gabaldon, which was erected in 1935 is now dilapidated. Two grade levels have to share in each classroom. Such lack of facilities is not the only difficulty that students and teachers have to face. Most of them need to travel three kilometers from the national road and pass through the river daily in order to get to the school. The school is eight kilometers away from Miag-ao's town proper.

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The teachers and the community are calling for support from local government units and non-government organizations.

To answer the call, the United Architects of the Philippines Hamili Chapter, headed by Architect Regina Falconite, are going to hold an art competition, the proceeds of which will be used to rehabilitate such infrastructure.

On why they did this, Falconite said, "We believe that the greatest gift we can give our children is good education. It is the business of every one as part of the society to insist upon the school as the primary and most effective interest of social progress and reform in order that society may be awakened. To arouse the necessity of endowing the educator with sufficient equipment so one could properly perform one's task."

She added that when science and art join hands, the most commanding motive for action will be reached. "The UAP Hamili Chapter recognizes its role in responding to this need, a moral obligation of each individual to participate, share and love of service to contribute to our society. This is the reason we exist," she said.

The exhibit, called "Coastal Memoirs", will focus on the churches of the southern part of Iloilo, which are Miag-ao, Tigbauan, San Joaquin and Guimbal.

UAP Hamili Chapter's project is supported by the Department of Tourism, Museo Iloilo, Zonta Club of Iloilo and the Department of Architecture, Fine Arts and Interior Design of the University of San Agustin (USA).

The deadline of submission of entries is on November 19, at the Department of Architecture, USA. Screening dates are November 20 and 21, judging is on November 27 and the exhibit last until November 30 at the Sarabia Manor Hotel.

Entry forms can be secured from the UAP Hamili, Department of Architecture, USA. For inquiries, Ms. Falconite can be reached through telephone numbers 0919-4439-742 and (033) 3207242. (MC)

For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Pampanga.

(November 17, 2008 issue)
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