OMIs, benefactors build dormitory for IP students

TIMANAN, South Upi, Maguindanao -- A dormitory for boys built by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate missionaries was expected to reduce drop out rates of a national high school in Barangay Kuyahere.During the Entingayen Festival over the weekend, the dormitory was blessed and inaugurated to be ready for occupancy of indigenous peoples' students from outlying villages.Fr. Dennis Gui, OMI, parish priest of Our Lady ofSalvacion parish and the kind-hearted Pilar Cogonon, principal of Lumao National High School joined hands to come up with a dormitory for boys with the help of Rotary Clubs and other friends.Actually, Fr. Gui said there are now two buildings in theDe Mazenod Dorm. The first was inaugurated andblessed last year and was built with the help fromRotary Club of Manila. The second building blessed lastAugust 8 and constructed with the help ofRotary Club of Cotabato City -South headed by club presidentGab Calungsod.Cogonon, designated as dorm administrator,said the dormitory will surely help reduce, if not eradicate, drop outs among IP students who lived in far flung villages of South Upi. Parents have complained that school children lost interest in coming to school due to distance.Both Fr. Gui and Cogonon then agreed to work hand in hand for the construction of the modest dormitory that can house about 70 students.Fr. Gui appreciated the assistance extended by the Rotary Club of Manila, the Rotary Club of Cotabato South and some of his personal friends.He also appreciated the help ofBobby Ang of Divine Mercy Apostolate, Rosary Heights Parish, Cotabato City.