Two schools in Patungan, Cavite set to be demolished to give way to resorts

We are aghast with the planned demolition of two schools in Cavite. We are in dire need of more classrooms in the country and such plan to demolish schools to give way to the construction of commercial establishments is unacceptable in all aspects. France Castro, Alliance of Concerned Teachers

By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com

MANILA Sarah Jane, 17, a third year high school student at Sta. Mercedes National High School in Patungan village, Maragondon, Cavite felt anxious when she heard the news that their school will be demolished. She said she has only one more year to go before she graduates from high school.

Ludy Dela Cruz, 44, said all her six children have studied in the said school, two of whom have already graduated. Having a school near our residence is very convenient. I dont have to spend for their transportation because they only walk to school. Even if they dont have snacks they could eat at home after school.

However, the students and their parents were told by officials of the Department of Education (DepEd)Region IV-A that the school will be demolished. We were told that after July, the school will be transferred to Maragondon town proper, which is two hours away from Patungan, Dela Cruz said in an interview with Bulatlat.com.

There are two schools in Patungan village, the Sta. Mercedes Elementary School and the Sta. Mercedes National High School. According to Arnold Evangelista, executive director of the Batangas Integrated Human Rights Alliance (BIHRA), both schools are to be demolished to give way to the projects of the Manila South Coast Development Corporation of business tycoon Henry Sy and Fil Estate. About 600 students will be affected if the schools will be demolished.

If they will demolish these two schools, where will we send our children to study? said Susana Agner, secretary general of Save Patungan Now!

These are the only schools in our community, which also serve adjacent communities. These schools have been here for decades already. In fact, we and our ancestors were educated here. This planned demolition will just worsen the inaccessibility of basic education to the people of Patungan and nearby communities, Agner added. Land conversion

Youth and farmers from Patungan, Maragondon, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas protest in front of Camp Crame in Quezon City last June 24. (Photo by A. Umil/ Bulatlat.com)

In 1994, the entire Hacienda Looc including the 5,218 hectares that was already awarded to the farmers under the governments agrarian reform program was sold to the Manila Southcoast Development Corp (MSDC). Bulatlat.com earlier reported that MSDC has been developing 5,800 hectares of Hacienda Looc into the Hamilo Coast project that includes the Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club and the Pico De Loro Residential Condominiums. It aims to develop 13 natural coves, 25 kilometers of pristine beachfront; forests, mountains, limestone cliffs, and rock formations. Since 2004, SM Land has been building structures along the coastal areas, converting farmlands and displacing farmers and fishermen of Hacienda Looc.

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Two schools in Patungan, Cavite set to be demolished to give way to resorts