Bricks of Hope: Building Dreams in Camaman-an Elementary School

COURTESY: Congressman Rufus Rodriguez

A New Dawn for Learning

The air was filled with excitement as officials and community members gathered for the groundbreaking of a new **SCHOOL BUILDING** inside Camaman-an Elementary School in Barangay Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City. Headed by Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, accompanied by his chief-of-staff Atty. Regine Rodriguez, the moment marked yet another step toward fulfilling the promise of quality and accessible education. This project, funded with ₱20 million, is not just about laying cement—it’s about laying the foundation for a brighter future.  

Much-needed **DUGANG CLASSROOMS ITUKOD SA CAMAMAN-AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL** will soon rise, answering the call to address classroom shortages in the city. For Cong. Rufus, this is more than just a priority; it’s a mission. As children look forward to plastered and safe rooms where they can learn without worry, the vision of a better learning environment takes shape before our very eyes.  

Collaboration for a Stronger Future

The groundbreaking ceremony itself was a celebration of unity. Camaman-an ES principal Dr. Paul Badon stood proudly with the Department of Public Works and Highways’ 2nd District Engineering Office, led by District Engineer Jan Paulo Lisondra. Alongside them were key community leaders such as Kap. Bodie Galarrita, Kag. Maria Lorna Namoc, Kag. Ernesto Atok, and Comrade Alicia Y. Cables. Their presence symbolized the collective effort in making education a true priority.  

Moreover, Cong. Rufus’s vision extends far beyond just constructing new classrooms. Plans to rehabilitate the school gym and improve flood control in the area showcase his holistic approach to development. Step by step, the community is witnessing transformations that will echo for generations—proof that when leaders and citizens work hand in hand, progress is inevitable.  

This new school building is more than a structure; it’s a promise fulfilled, a dream realized, and a testament to what can happen when leadership, funding, and community spirit align. Soon, every child walking through the gates of Camaman-an Elementary School will have a safe, inspiring space to learn, grow, and envision a brighter tomorrow.  

Weaving Hope Behind Bars: How Medina’s PDLs Turn Trash into Treasures

COURTESY: SAYU/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental

In the heart of **MEDINA, Misamis Oriental**, a remarkable story is unfolding within the walls of the **Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) – Medina Municipal Jail**. Here, *persons deprived of liberty (PDLs)* are shaping a brighter future — one thread at a time. By turning discarded sachets and worn-out fabrics into vibrant rugs and handy wallets, they are proving that even in confinement, creativity can flourish and change is possible.  

This initiative, brought to life with the support of the local government unit (LGU) of Medina, local tailors, and Lite FM 103.7 DXPU Radyo Medina, shines as a beacon of sustainability and second chances. While the colorful products offer functional beauty to buyers, they also embody a deeper message: transformation is possible, and worth pursuing.  

A Celebration of Change

During the National Correctional Consciousness Week (NACOCOW), Medina Mayor Marriane Lloren Chan personally visited the PDLs to inspire and encourage them. Her warm words emphasized equality and compassion, reminding the inmates that care and respect extend beyond boundaries. The visit became more than a formal affair — it was a heartfelt gesture of unity and hope.  

Moreover, Mayor Chan’s encouragement resonated deeply. She reminded the PDLs to hold on to faith, envisioning a day when they would walk free as renewed individuals. This moment, filled with sincerity, bridged the gap between the community and those behind bars, showing that support is a vital component of rehabilitation.  

Art, Income, and Purpose

Every rug and wallet crafted inside the Medina Municipal Jail tells a powerful story. PDLs like Jay-R, a 29-year-old artisan, find joy and meaning in carefully stitching recycled sachets and fabrics into colorful creations. Their most beloved product — the handmade rug — captures attention with its practical design, durability, and eco-friendly charm.  

For these PDLs, the project is far more than a livelihood. It is a lifeline. The income helps support their families, while the act of creating renews their sense of purpose and productivity. Here, recycled materials become agents of change, and every finished product symbolizes resilience, skill, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.  

In **MEDINA, Misamis Oriental**, the walls of the BJMP-Medina Municipal Jail no longer only signify confinement. They also shield a small but growing movement of transformation, where discarded materials are reborn as colorful, useful treasures. And behind each stitch lies a promise: that life, no matter where it is lived, holds opportunities for renewal. 

Bridging Knowledge and Experience: The MOA Signing Between PGMO and MSU-Naawan Campus

IMAGE CREDITS: Ellen Mae Lahinao/PIO

A Landmark Agreement for Education

On a bright Thursday, October 23, 2025, history unfolded in the world of education within Misamis Oriental. The **MOA SIGNING SA PGMO UG MSU-NAAWAN CAMPUS** was officially *gipahigayon*, marking a significant partnership between the Mindanao State University – Naawan Campus and the provincial government. This Memorandum of Agreement opens doors for students of MSU-Naawan to participate in the **Hospital Immersion Program** across eight provincial hospitals.  

Through this initiative, learners—particularly in the fields of *Health Services* and *Social Work*—will gain real-world, hands-on experience. By being immersed in actual hospital environments, they can apply their academic knowledge to practical situations, thus sharpening both their skills and confidence. This fusion of theory and practice creates a strong foundation, preparing them for their future careers.  

A Commitment to Students’ Growth

The gratitude expressed by MSU-Naawan Campus Chancellor Prof. Elnor C. Roa to Governor Juliette Uy was heartfelt. Chancellor Roa emphasized that Governor Uy’s support is not just a political gesture but a sincere investment in the youth. Such commitment paves the way for empowerment, enabling students to reach their dreams while becoming active contributors to positive change in society.  

Governor Juliette Uy’s administration has long championed the cause of education. One of her top priorities is ensuring that students have the necessary opportunities to grow—not only academically but also in terms of character and professional readiness. This MOA is a perfect embodiment of that vision, a bridge connecting classroom learning with the realities of public service and health care.  

**In Summary:** The **MOA SIGNING SA PGMO UG MSU-NAAWAN CAMPUS** is more than an agreement—it’s a promise to nurture the next generation of professionals. By combining resources, knowledge, and community spirit, this collaboration prepares students to become catalysts for transformation, one hospital visit at a time.