New classrooms constructed for St Joseph National High School in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija

Students of St Joseph National High School in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija will now benefit from expanded facilities with the completion of a new Senior High School building. The additional building project to complete the senior high offering was conceptualized in early 2023 through the initiative of Principal Estrelita Geronimo and Fr Ben Nebres SJ. This project materialized through the generous donation of Dr Kate Shaw Curry via GK USA, and in partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK), the LGU of Cabiao headed by Hon Mayor Ramil Rivera, and Gawad Kalinga-Ateneo.

On 18 May 2023, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new building prior to construction. The event was attended by representatives from GK-Ateneo led by Ms Norlie Quesada, the LGU of Cabiao represented by Barangay Captain Reynante Quiestas, GK Cabiao Project Director Mr Lito Saturnino, St Joseph National High School Principal Estrelita Geronimo, and members of the teaching staff.

The new two-storey building would house two classrooms for senior high school classes. The project was supervised by Engr Noel Grino of GK, and the construction was carried out by RAGA Construction, led by Arch Medel Garcia and Arch Kristel Ragojos-Garcia, both of whom have been long-time GK volunteers.

The project is expected to be functional by the upcoming school year, 2024-2025, and will be used by students from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand. For the students of Cabiao, these newly constructed classrooms provide hope for a better future, not just for themselves but also for their community. With the addition of more spaces conducive to learning, it is hoped that the students will be better equipped to become changemakers in society.

To know more about and support Gawad Kalinga’s work please email gka@ateneo.edu.

Photos courtesy of GK-Ateneo.