THE JAPANESE government turned over a one-story, four room building to the Santo Niño High School in Talibon, Bohol.

In a statement, the Japanese Embassy in Manila hoped the donation would enable the students to complete their senior high school years.

“Upon the Philippine’s implementation of its K to 12 Basic Education Program in 2016, which extended secondary level education from four years to six years, public schools were mandated to set up additional classrooms for the newly added senior high school program,” the Embassy said.

“However, many schools have not been able to meet the requirements due to budgetary restraints. This has led students such as those of Santo Niño High School either to transfer to other schools in a far location or to give up on their education upon completion of the 10th grade,” it added.

The P4.3 million building was constructed as part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance through the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects.

The grant also covered the procurement of classroom furniture such as tables and chairs.

The ceremonial turnover was led by Japan Embassy Second Secretary Sugimoto Kensuke, along with Talibon Mayor Janette Aurestila-Garcia, Department of Education Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez, and other Department of Education and local government unit officials.

In his remarks, Sugimoto said basic education is a right for all children and lauded the community’s efforts in providing a quality learning environment for the children.

He expressed hope the new classrooms would serve as key to open more doors of opportunities for the students.