Sisim National High School
"Hope through Education"
Brgy. Sisim, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur
June 27, 2011
Education, even if they say should be free, has its costs. Fare, food and other school needs must be provided for by parents of students. And most often, these expenses discourages them to let their children pursue higher education.
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| SBM Vicky S. Serna with Teachers, PTA and students from Sisim National High School |
With the opening of the Sisim National High School during School Year 2011-2012, parents and children alike, most especially residents of barangays Maradodon, Catucdaan, Caellayan, Sisim, Alinaay, Aragan and Turod Patac, can now access more conveniently with a minimized cost of transportation in going to school.
Republic Act No. 9784 on the “Act Establishing a National High School in Barangay Sisim, Municipality of Cabugao, Province of Ilocos Sur to be known as Sisim National High School and Appropriating Funds Therefor” was enacted by the House of Representatives and the Senate on November 17, 2008 and August 25, 2009 respectively and was approved by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in November 15, 2009. This was presented as a bill by Representative Salacnib Baterina in 2005 and lobbied greatly by his predecessor former Representative Ronald V. Singson.
It was one dream of Mayor Edgardo S. Cobangbang Jr. to make the school function during school year 2011-2012. Although there were some logistical and financial difficulties, persistence paved way for fear.
First thing to solve was the location. The Sisim Barangay Council headed by Punong Barangay Ruben Siruno donated a parcel of land, situated at the Barangay Sisim government center, with an area of 2,058 square meters. The council also promised to improve on the area with needed fencing, construction of pavement and a covered bleacher.
Next is the school building. With constant lobbying by the Local Chief Executive through the Committee on Education of the Sangguniang Bayan with chairperson SBM Vicky S. Serna, a resolution to allocate funds for the construction of a three-classroom building worth P1.2 million was formulated and approved by the Sangguniang Bayan for its speedy implementation.
Who will teach? Mayor Cobangbang tapped Ms. Rosemelinda Baclig, a teacher at the Lipit National High School, to act as an officer-in-charge and spearhead in all matters concerning the realization of this school. Four volunteer teachers, Archie Casiño, Roger Dacanay, Daisy Jane Somera and Laarni Sayaboc, were also at hand to give their unselfish support for such an undertaking.
With mostly all logistical and financial burdens being eased out, the only concern now is, where are the students? The officer-in-charge and volunteer teachers went house-to-house in each of the aforementioned barangays to recruit students for the school. Initially, the most conservative estimate for enrollees is around 20 to 30 but all were surprised when 61 students enrolled with ages ranging from 13 to 37 years old.
On June 6, 2011, using the barangay hall and other barangay edifices as temporary classrooms, the Sisim National High School officially opened its pioneer school year. Presently, while waiting for the finished school building, teachers and students with the help of parents and barangay officials are busy in creating a veritable school-like environment.
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| Sisim NHS students |
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SBM Serna w/ Rosmilinda Baclig (OIC Sisim NHS) &
Roy Siruno (Info & Tourism officer) |
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| SBM Vicky S. Serna |
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| Students &Teachers of Sisim NHS |
Truly, the students were given a new ray of hope through the Sisim National High School. A hope connived by a concerted effort by every individual in the community. A hope that would give them a better tool in becoming a better person someday. A hope that springs from the knowledge that through education, even at what age, one can still achieve what they desire to be.
