From ashes to opportunities: Rebuilding hope for Bohol’s young learners

At Booy South Elementary School (BSES) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, the morning bell once signaled the start of classes in an unexpected setting — a covered court that doubled as a Grade 5 classroom.

This makeshift setup, a mark to the school’s resilience, became necessary after a 2021 fire destroyed four classrooms and the principal’s office.

“The aftermath of the fire was heartbreaking. I believe it dampened the parents’ and students’ hearts because the first thing they saw upon entering the school was the damage left behind,” BSES principal Clementina Gamil said.

Despite these challenges, BSES was determined to accommodate students. The school, which serves 372 elementary students, not only maintained its operations but excelled, garnering victories in regional press conferences and district academic competitions.

However, the practical impact of reduced classroom capacity was evident in declining enrollment numbers, as parents prioritized their children’s learning comfort.

The fire’s timing also presented unique logistical challenges. It occurred in the final months of pandemic-related distance learning and less than a year away from the resumption of face-to-face classes.

To adapt, the BSES administration implemented a series of space-optimization measures, including converting the Home Economics room into a principal’s office, which later had to be relocated again. The limited space made school operations even more difficult, given the vital role of a dedicated principal’s office.

“Here, the office isn’t simply considered a Principal’s Office; we call it the ‘School’s Office’ because it’s a shared space for everyone — from DepEd guests to all the teachers and teaching staff of BSES,” Gamil explained. This office serves as a collaborative room where teachers and administrators convene to enhance the school’s learning experience.

Providing a learning environment the community deserves

SM Foundation’s school building program with SM Prime has helped address these challenges by providing much-needed learning spaces.

The newly constructed two-story, four-classroom building has been strategically designed to accommodate different grade levels. The ground floor houses two kindergarten sections and two Grade 1 classes, each serving 45 students in morning and afternoon shifts. Meanwhile, the second floor provides spacious classrooms for two Grade 6 sections.

The building’s design goes beyond just providing space, incorporating thoughtful features such as an information and communication technology room, a clinic, a prayer room, storage spaces, persons with disability-friendly facilities, emergency lights, and fire alarms. Its strategic location near the school gate enhances both convenience and security, particularly benefiting the younger students.

“With the collaborative efforts of teachers, parents and stakeholders, we believe that we can do more and improve more with the new school building,” Gamil said. The improved facilities have also enhanced teaching conditions, allowing educators to move comfortably through their spacious classrooms while delivering instruction.

Through a partnership with Mastercard Philippines, BSES received three laptops, expanding its math and technological capabilities. One unit is designated in the ICT room for the Department of Education’s mathematics requirements and competitions, while the remaining two will be stationed in the School’s Office to be shared by teachers and teaching staff.