BY IME SORNITO
ILOILO – The provincial government has handed over P25.9 million in assistance to the local government unit (LGU) of Badiangan.
The funding includes a P23.9-million for various school projects and an additional P2 million for a patient transport vehicle or ambulance.
The school projects under the Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BES PROBINS) program include the construction of a multi-purpose covered gym, school gymnasiums, a gym and stage, concreting of school pathways, perimeter fencing, expansion of a home economics building, and new classrooms.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., alongside Uswag Ilonggo party-list’s Cong. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. and 3rd District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor, led the turnover ceremony on September 9.
Governor Defensor said the financial support is part of the province’s commitment to addressing educational gaps.
“We are utilizing our Special Education Fund to its fullest to support not just schools in Badiangan but across the entire province,” said the governor.
He also highlighted why such significant funding was directed to Badiangan, noting that despite being a smaller and not first-class municipality, it deserves support to enhance local education and facilities.
The current mayor of Badiangan, Suzette Mamon, who previously served as the Provincial Administrator under Defensor, assured that similar assistance would be extended to other LGUs, especially in improving school classrooms.
“Especially for those in distant and upland barangays, we will exhaust all resources to help our schools,” added Defensor.
In conjunction with the provincial government’s turnover, the Uswag Ilonggo party-list also provided a P10.5-million multipurpose building to serve as an office for social services and disaster response, doubling as a shelter.
Ang expressed gratitude for the community’s support during the recent elections and reiterated his commitment to sincere public service.
“This is my way of giving back to the community and the leaders who trusted and supported me,” Ang said./PN
