Last week, Foundation University architecture students woke before dawn to catch a bus to Montilo, La Libertad. Invited by Cong. Josy Limkaichong, 22 Foundationites, staff, students, and alumni responded to the call to help initiate Brigada Eskwela in the 1st District.
This year’s Brigada is all the more important as the District still bears many scars from the February earthquake. In fact, many school buildings have been condemned as unsafe, and are scheduled for demolition.
Rebuilding, however, will not begin until after the new school year is underway. To help alleviate crowded schools, Cong. Josy has dedicated private relief funding to build temporary classrooms during Brigada Eskwela. It was the unique design of these classrooms that first caught the attention of FU Architecture instructor Ray Villanueva.
“I think the design does a great job using indigenous materials to keep costs low, and construction quick. I believe this is a well-designed solution to the immediate problem of classroom space.”
Impressed by the design, Instructor Villanueva wanted his students to get exposure to the construction methods used in building the temporary classrooms. So early Wednesday morning, they left Dumaguete for the long ride north.
Martilo Elementary School Principal Maria Villaester enthusiastically welcomed the extra volunteers, and foreman Paul Gallosa provided a short lecture explaining the materials and particulars of construction.
The school room is built entirely of bamboo and nipa, with bamboo nails and rubber ties securing the beams to a concrete floor. With a crew of 15 laborers and carpenters, the building will be finished in 12 days.
This is Gallosa’s second building; the first at Pisong Elementary is nearly complete. “I like the use of native materials in the design as I noticed that it was the concrete buildings that suffered the worst damage during the earthquake; whereas the indigenous buildings fared much better,” noted Gallosa.
Principal Villaester added: “This is not just a classroom, but a class home. Under the nipa, the students will feel comfortable, as if they were at home during class.” She said she believes the new environment will be very conducive to teaching. “Also cooler! It is good not to be under a corrugated metal roof.”
Congresswoman Josy was present throughout the day, carefully monitoring construction, and cheering on the teachers and volunteers — that included major sponsor, EDSA People Power. She expressed she was very glad to see the community come together to rebuild and prepare for the year ahead. She also ensured to the students that their schools will be ready for the start of school. (PR)
