TANTANGAN, SOUTH COTABATO —The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through its CATCH-UP Program, officially turned over a newly constructed three-classroom building to Bukay Pait Elementary School in Tantangan, providing learners with safer, more comfortable, and more conducive spaces for learning
The new facility marks another significant step toward addressing the school’s infrastructure needs and ensuring that children in the community have an appropriate environment in which to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams.
The three-classroom building is expected to ease classroom congestion and provide learners with adequate space for daily lessons and school activities. It also gives teachers a more suitable environment to carry out their responsibilities and deliver quality instruction.
For Tantangan Mayor Timee Joy Torres-Gonzales, completing the project is a meaningful investment not only in the school but also in the children’s and the community’s future.
“This is a very meaningful day for the learners, teachers, parents, and the entire community of Bukay Pait. These classrooms are not simply buildings. They are spaces where our children can learn, dream, and prepare themselves for a better future,” Mayor Torres-Gonzales said.
She thanked the Provincial Government of South Cotabato for extending development interventions to communities and responding to the needs of schools and learners.
“We are grateful to the Provincial Government for bringing government services closer to our people. This project shows that when we work together, we can respond to the needs of our communities and provide our children with the facilities they deserve,” she added.
Torres-Gonzales also underscored the importance of providing children with a safe, conducive learning environment, noting that adequate classrooms can enhance the learning experience for both students and teachers.
“Our children deserve a learning environment where they feel safe, comfortable, and inspired. When we provide them with proper classrooms, we are also giving them the confidence to learn, participate, and reach their full potential,” the mayor said.
She further encouraged the learners to make good use of the new facility and to value the opportunity to study.
“To our learners, take care of these classrooms and, more importantly, take care of the opportunity that has been given to you. Study hard, listen to your teachers, respect your parents, and continue dreaming. We believe that you can become the future leaders and professionals of our community,” Torres-Gonzales said.
The mayor likewise recognized the role of teachers and parents in helping children succeed, emphasizing that infrastructure must be complemented by the school and community’s collective commitment.
“A classroom alone cannot educate a child. It takes dedicated teachers, supportive parents, responsible learners, and a community that believes in education. This is why we should continue working together to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed,” she said.
Meanwhile, Hon. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., Vice Governor of South Cotabato, expressed his support and encouragement to the teachers and learners of Bukay Pait Elementary School, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation among the provincial government, municipal government, school authorities, parents, and the community.
The school community expressed its appreciation for the assistance, recognizing the new classrooms as a valuable addition to the school’s facilities and a significant contribution to the welfare and education of its learners.
The Office of the Provincial Engineer was also recognized for its support and efforts in implementing and completing the project.
The classroom turnover is part of the ongoing implementation of the provincial government’s CATCH-UP Program, which brings government interventions closer to communities and addresses identified needs through targeted, coordinated assistance.
For the learners of Bukay Pait Elementary School, the new building represents more than additional classroom space. It is a tangible investment in their education and a reminder that their dreams and aspirations matter.
As the new classrooms open their doors to learners, the project carries a simple but meaningful message: a safer space to learn can help create a brighter future.
Through CATCH-UP, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato continues to bring “Tama kag Maayo nga Serbisyo” closer to communities—building not only facilities but also opportunities for every child to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
