Manila: The learners of Moises Padilla Elementary School (MPES) in Negros Occidental are learning and at the same time caring for the environment in sustainable classrooms built through the assistance of World Vision, a humanitarian organization. The two-story structure, which utilizes bamboo elements, is the first eco-school building project of World Vision in the Philippines. The PHP14.84-million school building is positioned as a model for environmental responsibility in education. “We express our appreciation to World Vision for the generous donation,” Moises Padilla town Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the construction was made possible through funding secured by World Vision Korea from various Korean sponsors. Yulo said the local government unit provided technical assistance throughout the construction of the building. “The eco-school building features a sustainable design that promotes learning while caring for the environment,” she said. Each of the five classrooms is equipped with its own lavatory, and one room is designed as a special science laboratory. At the second floor, a mini-library connected to an open eco-garden serves as a hands-on learning space for students.
The sustainable design incorporates natural ventilation to significantly reduce energy use. Water tanks are integrated with a rainwater catchment system to provide an alternative water source. The mayor presented a plaque of appreciation to World Vision Operations Director Macapagat during the unveiling ceremony on Oct. 20. Aside from the eco-school building project, World Vision is also working with Moises Padilla in other development initiatives.
Under the Project AID or Agricultural Innovation Development, World Vision helps farming communities in the central Negros town to engage in sustainable livelihoods and ensure food security for their families. Earlier this year, 40 farmers participated in an organic seed saving orientation led by the Central Philippines State University – Moises Padilla Campus in collaboration with Global Seed Savers and the Municipal Agriculture Office. The beneficiaries learned organic seed production to help them reduce dependence on commercial seeds and grow their own food. Also, 17 farmer associations received capital for livestock programs, while five associations established agri-stores in remote areas.
