MANAY, DAVAO ORIENTAL – The provincial government of Davao Oriental and the Department of Education (DepEd) has recently inaugurated a new Integrated School in the town of Manay.

Derived from the Francisco E. Lahora Jr. Elementary School, the inauguration and turnover of two new classrooms fulfill the provincial government’s commitment to provide more access to quality education for the children of Barangay Zaragosa in Manay, the hometown of incumbent Governor Nelson Dayanghirang.

In his message, Governor Dayanghirang also thanked the Lahora heirs for officially donating the land where the school was founded.

The Governor also said the construction of the the two new classrooms was made possible because of strong collaboration between the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FCCCII) and the local government. The provincial government has pitched in with a counterpart fund worth P961,789.85 while the FCCCII donated P450,000 for the completion of the project.

Governor Dayanghirang said the construction of the new school buildings will help ensure students will have quality and accessible education.

Provincial Engineer Ruel C. Dumadag said construction began in August 2021, and each classroom can cater 32 incoming Grade 7 students should the face-to-face classes resume.

In the upcoming school year 2022-2023, Francisco E. Lahora Jr. Elementary School will start offering basic education programs from kindergarten to Grade 7.

Present in the ceremony were the Assistant School District Superintendent Ma. Genevieve Francisquete, the Provincial Director of PNP Davao Oriental Police Colonel Efren E. Orlina, the Education Program Supervisor of Manay North District Dr. Gerson Rosa, the heir of the Lahora Family Alfonso Lahora Sr., the School Head of Francisco E. Lahora Integrated School Jerry Magkidong, the parents and students.

The original school was built in 1980 and produced graduates like the Governor himself. By Shaye Dacles Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan