PLDT Gabay Guro, JVRF, and Army Unit Back Education With New Classrooms in Sulu
Patikul, Sulu — In a community long shaped by conflict and isolation, a modest but meaningful investment in education is offering renewed hope for the future.
Two newly constructed prefabricated classrooms were formally turned over on February 7, 2026, to Asimal Elementary School in Barangay Maligay, Patikul, Sulu, through a partnership led by PLDT Gabay Guro and the Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, with the support of the 11th Infantry Division.
The classroom turnover, attended by local officials, military and police leaders, educators, and community partners, underscored a growing emphasis on development-led peacebuilding in one of the country’s most sensitive areas. For residents of Barangay Maligay, the new facilities represent more than additional learning space—they symbolize opportunity, stability, and a long-term investment in the next generation.
Building classrooms, strengthening communities
The project was implemented through close coordination among PLDT Gabay Guro, JVRF, local government leaders, school administrators, and community facilitators. Designed as prefabricated structures, the classrooms were built to be durable and immediately usable, addressing persistent shortages in educational infrastructure in remote parts of Sulu.
Barangay Chairperson Hon. Jalil Hajiraini expressed gratitude to the partners for choosing Asimal Elementary School as a beneficiary, noting that improved school facilities directly affect both enrollment and learning outcomes.
“These classrooms will help our children study in a safer and more comfortable environment,” Hajiraini said. “Education gives our community a chance to move forward, especially our young people.”
Education as a pillar of peace
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion, emphasized that education is a cornerstone of lasting peace and development.
Speaking in Filipino, Peña described the classrooms as more than physical structures. “These classrooms are not just facilities,” he said. “They are a foundation of hope and progress. Here, the youth will gain knowledge and values that will shape them as future leaders and champions of peace and development in their community.”
The military’s participation in the initiative reflects a broader approach that combines security operations with social and developmental support, particularly in areas affected by decades of unrest.
A long-standing advocate for learning
Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, SJ, former president of Ateneo de Manila University and a long-time advocate of the PLDT Gabay Guro initiative, also addressed attendees, highlighting the transformative power of education in nation-building.
Nebres stressed that quality education empowers communities to break cycles of poverty and violence, especially in regions like Sulu where access to resources has historically been limited. He added that partnerships between the private sector, civil society, and government institutions are essential to sustaining meaningful change.
Support from school and local leaders
School Principal Ms. Nurisa Sahiddin welcomed the turnover, assuring donors and partners that the new classrooms would be fully utilized to benefit both students and teachers.
“These additional classrooms will help us decongest existing spaces and improve the learning experience of our pupils,” Sahiddin said. “We are deeply thankful for the trust and support extended to our school.”
Local government representatives echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the facilities to ensure long-term benefits. An agreement was signed during the event outlining responsibilities for the upkeep and sustainability of the classrooms, reinforcing a shared commitment among stakeholders.
A multi-sector presence
The ceremony was attended by key officials and partners, including Brig. Gen. Emmanuel L. Cabasan, commander of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade; Police Lt. Col. Kris Conrad Gutierrez of the Sulu Police Provincial Office; representatives from the Patikul local government unit; and Ms. Jainab Abdulmajid of Gawad Kalinga, who served as a key facilitator of the project.
Their presence highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, bringing together security forces, educators, civil society groups, and local leaders around a common goal.
Smiles beyond the ribbon-cutting
Beyond the formal turnover, the event carried a festive tone for the school’s youngest beneficiaries. Pupils received toys from project partners, drawing smiles and laughter that contrasted sharply with the area’s often harsh realities.
Organizers also committed to providing school supplies and conducting a feeding program for Asimal Elementary School students in the coming months—additional measures aimed at addressing both educational and nutritional needs.
As the ribbon was cut and guests toured the new classrooms, the message was clear: while the structures may be simple, their impact could be profound. In Patikul, education is increasingly being seen not just as a social service, but as a powerful tool for peace, resilience, and a brighter future for Sulu’s children. ©️KuryenteNews