Aiming to advance inclusive and resilient learning spaces, Mahintana Foundation, Inc. successfully turned over Mindanaoโs first Cement Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT) classroom at Landan Elementary School, Brgy. Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato. This initiative was realized under its Adopt-a-School Program, funded by AY Foundation, Inc. and Dole Philippines, Inc., in partnership with BASE Bahay Foundation, Inc., Local Government Unit of Polomolok, the 549th Engineer “Kapayapaan” Battalion of the 54th Engineer Brigade, and the 38th Infantry “We Clear” Battalion of the 1st Mechanized Infantry โMaaasahanโ Brigade of the Philippine Army. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening education systems and ensuring that learners and educators have access to safe, sustainable, and disaster-resilient learning environments.
The newly constructed CBFT classroom represents more than just physical infrastructure. It symbolizes a collective investment in the future of children, providing them with a conducive space that fosters learning, growth, and opportunity. By integrating innovative, climate-resilient construction technology with community-centered development, this initiative contributes to long-term educational resilience while promoting environmentally sustainable solutions.
This milestone underscores the power of multi-sectoral partnerships in addressing critical gaps in education infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities. Through the collective efforts of our partners, we are able to create tangible, lasting impact that empowers learners, supports teachers, and strengthens communities.
Ms. Ma. Jacinta M. Tolentino, Principal of Landan Elementary School, expressed the schoolโs sincere gratitude for the program and its meaningful contribution to improving the learning environment of their students. Mr. Joven Ryan Malida, Municipal Administrator of Polomolok, emphasized that the new classroom will provide a conducive learning space for children, encouraging them to be like bambooโstrong, steady, and resilient as they continue their educational journey. He further highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, โWhat we are doing today is for the future of the Blaan community in Polomolok. Today they are learners, but tomorrow, they will become leadersโ.
The turnover ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished representatives from the local government, partner institutions, national agencies, and the private sector. Among those present were Mr. Masazumi Nishikage, VP and Managing Director and Mr. Ohashi Katsuyuki, Chief Administrative Officer of Dole Philippines, Inc.; Ms. April Love Evangelista, Manager of RCBC representative of AY Foundation, Inc.; and Mr. Paulo Ferrer, Business and Strategic Development of BASE Bahay Foundation, Inc. Also present were Ms. Chrysanthea Zorilla, Program Manager of DILG South Cotabato; PD Giselle Eve Siladan of DOST South Cotabato; Mr. Tyron Jann Villanueva, DMO IV of PLGU South Cotabato; and Mr. Michael Poblador, Education Program Supervisor of DepEd Region XII. The Philippine Army was represented by LTC Al Victor Burkley, Commanding Officer of the 6th Infantry Battalion; BGen Darwin F Hernandez, PA, Commander of the 54th Engineer โSarangayโ Brigade; and LTC Leonard Jack Orbase, of the 1st Mechanized Brigade. Other attendees included Hon. Leonard Escobillo, Municipal Mayor of Tampakan representing Governor Tamayo; Mr. Joven Ryan Malida, Municipal Administrator of Polomolok together with Municipal Councilor, Hon. Joar H. Falcon and Hon. Antonio Ocatavio, Mr. Rhyolite Balili, Executive Staff of Polomolok Mayorโs Office and the BLGU Landan represented by Hon. Timothy Malayang, Barangay Kagawad of Landan; Ms. Ma. Jacinta M. Tolentino, Principal of Landan Elementary School; Mr. Dandy Melejor Trade Industry Specialist, DTI-South Cotabato; Philippine Information Agency XII Asst. Regional Director Mr. Danilo Doguilles; Mindanao Development Authority represented by Ms. Glady Dela Cruz and team; PLGU South Cotabato through its PEMO Fracel Magno; Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance (AVLDA) represented by Mr. Rey Ferrer; Landan MPC Chairperson Ms. Gina Malompong and General Manager Ms. Edilyn Pabicon; and also, the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) of Landan; Mr. Martiniano Magdolot, President of MFI together with Ms. Liza Duropan-Lopez, Executive Director of Mahintana Foundation, Inc., and Mr. Roel Ian Blanker, Operations Officer of Mahintana Foundation, Inc., together with the teachers, students and parents of Landan Elementary School.
