The learning environment at Vito Elementary School in Brgy. Vito, Sagay City, Negros Occidental, received a significant boost as a newly constructed P2.5-million school clinic building was officially inaugurated and turned over on Wednesday afternoon, July 30.
The facility, funded through the Department of Education’s Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF), aims to improve health and wellness support within the school, providing medical care, counselling, and essential services for both learners and staff, a press release from Sagay City said.
Former Mayor and now Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. led the ceremonies on behalf of Mayor Leo Rafael M. Cueva and assured attendees of the city’s commitment to strengthening health infrastructure in schools.
“This is already the second inaugurated school clinic in Sagay City, following the first in Brgy. Bato,” Javelosa said, adding “While equipment is not yet in place, I assure you that Mayor Cueva will help facilitate its provision.”
The inauguration began with a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Rev. Fr. Jomer H. Tongke, followed by a program attended by Councilor Boy Marañon, Brgy. Captain Nemensio Briones, Brgy. Vito officials, school staff, parents, and members of the community.
Schools Division Superintendent Dannie Clark M. Uguil emphasized the importance of the project, calling it a “significant milestone” for the school.
“It will improve health services for students and contribute to a healthier learning environment. It’s part of our broader effort to make sure every child is healthy and ready to learn”, he said.
Principal Glenn Pedelo expressed gratitude for the city and DepEd Sagay’s all-out support in making the facility a reality.
PTA President Jinky M. Busico said they are proud to be the second school in the city “to receive a facility like this as it is a great help for our learners”.
Brgy. Captain Briones called the new clinic a source of pride for the community, saying that students and even our teachers now have somewhere to go for medical needs.
Supreme Elementary Learner Government Representative SELG Mikeeya Yuki Sampalocia thanked all the stakeholders who made the clinic possible.
“We make a sincere commitment to respect this facility and the people who serve in it. We also pledge to encourage our classmates to treat it with the same care”, Sampalocia said.*