Engineers give all for Albayano children

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines - --  U.S. and Philippine forces' engineers are in the midst of renovating three classrooms at Binitayan Elementary School, Binitayan, Daraga, Albay, one of three sites, selected to receive engineering support during Pacific Angel-Philippines March 5 to 10.

PACANGEL is a joint and combined humanitarian operation that includes medical, dental, optometry,
subject matter exchanges and engineering programs.

"The program at this site calls for the renovation of three classrooms," said 2nd Lt. Benjamin Shearer, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, flight chief of resource management, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. "I'm absolutely thrilled to be here because it's a wonderful opportunity to rebuild these classrooms for the children who need them so much."

Shearer is not the only person who is happy to be here.

"We are so excited that you (PACANGEL participants) are here to renovate the school," said Helen Joy Acosta, the officer in charge of the school. "The school was built in 1956 and has never been renovated. Prior to renovating, the classrooms were very dilapidated. The teachers of those classrooms are happy that this work is being done."

All three teachers of the soon to be renovated classrooms expressed happiness about the ongoing renovations.

"The pupils will benefit from the renovated classrooms because they will be more conducive to learning," said Lorna Lopo, a teacher for 41 years. "They will not be as distracted by all the things that were wrong with the classrooms and it will be a happier place for them and for me."

There were multiple things wrong with the classrooms.

"I came during the planning conference in January. I found the classrooms were in serious disrepair and with everything we would need to do, there was no way we could replace a roof within the timeframe of the operation," said Master Sgt. Eduardo Zepeda, 36th CES NCOIC electrical shop. "We contracted to replace the roof and it was replaced before we arrived for PACANGEL."

In addition to the Binitayan school, there is a public restroom site in Sto. Domingo that was rebuilt, as well as one large classroom at Bigaa Elementary School, Bigaa, here. Work at these sites has not been without its challenges.

"There have been minor challenges at times due to miscommunication, but even so, we're way ahead of schedule," said Master Sgt. Dennis Nelson, 36th CES heavy repair superintendent and lead planner of the engineer civic action program. "I feel great to be here and be a part of this operation."

Working with the Philippine and U.S. Army members on our team has been a unique experience said Nelson.

"It's always great when you meet and work with other engineers, and you can exchange techniques and ideas," said Nelson. "You're able to discuss how and why you do certain aspects of a job."

When the 22-year Air Force veteran leaves the Philippines, it's not goodbye for him.

"I will return next month with my wife and kids to support a small orphanage in Manila for one week," said Nelson. "We're doing this trip through our church and my family is looking forward to the opportunity."

For Nelson, who's happy to be participating on his first PACANGEL, working on these projects has been a blessing, he said. He feels when completed, the projects will touch many lives.

Although PACANGEL officially kicked off March 5, the work on all three projects began March 4.

"We started early to ensure we had enough time to complete all the projects given the rainy weather at this time of year," said Zepeda, a Harlingen, Texas native. "During the last few days we've swept the classrooms and removed debris. "We've also sanded the walls, patched nail holes and painted. There's also been a lot of electrical work done so far."
In addition, each classroom's plumbing is scheduled for repair and toilets replaced.

"This job gives us the opportunity to showcase our talent," said Zepeda. "We have at least 25 U.S. and Philippine forces on this site. Our guys are skilled in many areas from plumbing to structures to electrical work."

More than showcasing his talent, Zepeda said that the Philippines holds a special meaning for him.

"My wife is from the Philippines and was very happy when she found out what I was coming here to do," said Zepeda. "It makes me feel good to be here and provide something for these children that my wife never had as a child."

Operation PACANGEL is led by 13th Air Force. There are three more PACANGEL humanitarian missions scheduled later this year in Laos, Vietnam and Nepal.