Church Helps Construct Driveway and Donates Computers to Pangasinan High School

For years, students, school personnel, and teachers have struggled with the muddy and uneven access road next to Malasiqui National High School (MNHS), which becomes especially challenging during the rainy season.

On April 12, 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in coordination with MNHS and local municipal officials, completed the construction of a new driveway. Grateful students, local barangay officials, and school personnel now call it the "LDS Driveway" to show appreciation to the Church and its humanitarian program.

In addition to the driveway, The Church of Jesus Christ donated several additions to the school library, including 20 desktop computers, four computer tables, office desks and chairs, a laser printer, and other school and office materials.

A recent government study found that only 40 percent of public schools in the Philippines have at least one computer with potential for internet connectivity. However, only four percent of these schools can provide students with internet access for supplementary study or research.

The new computers will enable MNHS teachers to complete planning and administrative work on campus rather than taking it home, allowing them more time for rest and family activities. Additionally, students will have access to online tools and resources to supplement their classroom lessons.

Local municipal officials, including Malasiqui Mayor Noel Anthony Geslani, Municipal Councilors Dolores Mamaril, and Brian Valdez III, attended the turnover ceremony. School officials and representatives of the Church were also present.

Representatives from the Church who attended the event included Bishop Adam Montera of the Malasiqui 1st Ward, Humanitarian Service Missionaries Elder and Sister Heslop, and other leaders from the Urdaneta Philippines Stake.

In his message, Bishop Montera expressed hope that the local ward will be able to build and maintain friendships with the local community and help each other progress. "I hope that you will recognize us, members of the Church, as friends and neighbors, and we want to fellowship with you," he said.

"I also hope that because of the newly completed driveway and equipment, MNHS students will have easier access to education. I pray that the computers serve you well as you gain more knowledge from good sources from the Internet."

Dr. Michelle D. Domantay, Master Teacher of MNHS, expressed her gratitude during the turnover ceremony. She said that the school's new e-library is nothing short of a "miracle." Now, thousands of students can access more information through the internet and other digital resources for knowledge and research.

Education reduces poverty, improves health, strengthens societies, and builds self-reliance. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supports education in several ways, including financial aid, affordable online learning, scholarship programs, job training programs, humanitarian aid, and self-reliance courses.

Across the globe, the Church supports humanitarian projects that ensure students and teachers alike have what is necessary for proper learning. This includes constructing, refurbishing, and furnishing classrooms; providing school supplies, computers, equipment, and textbooks; training teachers; and building latrines.