By Roxanne Novelette F. Cristobal
| The proposed covered multipurpose hall and gymnasium of OLPCC under the TJA Flores Architectural Design and Consultancy. |
| OLPCC President- Exuperio V. Flores, Jr., Ph.D leads the Groundbreaking Ceremony to mark the first official day of the construction of the OLPC-C’s covered multipurpose hall and gymnasium with the blessing of Most Rev. David William Antonio, Diocese of Ilagan Bishop and the other Reverent Priests for the safe construction on September 1, 2022. |
| The old gymnasium with Pillaricans performing on stage. |
New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings. We somehow imagine things will last forever and will remain as it is however, the word “change “will justify the whole process. Change is inevitable. Change is constant. Change brings opportunity and improvement. But sometimes change can be scary and cruel, but you know what’s scarier? Allowing fear to stop us from growing, evolving, and progressing.
In this world where nothing remains forever—there is always a new story that unfolds, a new journey that begins, and new things that start. The real exceptions are the adamant believers of change that prioritize holding it tighter rather than letting go and facing the changes that might happen. Because the real thing is, when we encounter change, either we accept it or we go against it. But whatever happens, our response is just a part of it, because the whole factor depends on the process and impact of that specific change.
To relate this, buildings are often treasured because of the memories incorporated with them. As much as possible, they are being preserved and have undergone several restoration and maintenance processes to stay at their utmost likable condition. However, there are times when we need to create a new one to cater to the needs of the majority and specially to incur the utmost advantage that we may receive from the transformation.
On September 1, 2022, the traditional Groundbreaking Ceremony was held at the construction site, beside the chapel to mark the first official day of the construction of OLPC-C covered multipurpose hall and gymnasium. Dr. Exuperio V. Flores, Jr.,the school president led the ceremony with the blessing of Most Rev. David William Antonio,Diocese of Ilagan Bishop and the other Reverent Priests for the safe construction together with the Deans of each department, principals and the campus ministry.
The beginning is the most important part of the work. It requires a plan, a will, and money to make everything work. Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, a thorough decision-making process was done.
“Back then, during the last Baccalaureate mass of the OLPCC Batch 2022, since the chapel cannot cover all the graduates, the OLPCC Gymnasium served as the venue since it covers more capacity. However, based on prior experience, the gymnasium was still inadequate. It was that time when the board knew that a new building is needed to be built. A proposal was made for a gym project and since all the members of the board were present in the said ceremony, being uncomfortable on that specific day, they immediately approved the project.” Mr. Flores explained during an interview.
“Kasi na forsee ko na when we ask the architect to do the plan, nasabi na may bleachers and then to maximize the spaces, dun sa likod ng bleachers pwedeng gawing mga small offices diba kasi ang office ng supreme student council ay nasa gym dati. So that could also be one. And the other offices na nangangailangan ng office that can be utilized dito sa side. And also, with the criminology, since they do not have a DTAC room, ang DTAC room nila is a classroom, so a plan is also to provide a space for their DTAC room and also a crime laboratory room for their laboratory. With the laboratory of the HRM na din.” Flores said when asked about the specifications of the building.
“The capacity of bleachers is at 2,000 seats, I guess. The size is I think 40x 42 meters. I think glass yung windows kasi naka aircon designed. Permanent linings for the basketball. And the quality of the basketball court is based on PBA requirements. But practically the gymnasium is there for our cultural, social and some sports event na kailangan ng big crowd to accommodate comfortably specially kayong students since kayo yung primary na gagamit niyan.” he also added.
For the estimated budget, the President said “more or less nasa 60 million kasi ang provision niya is airconditioned kapag natapos. Pero at the same time, it can be foreseen as income generating for the school because we can offer it for other organizations outside kasi di naman araw araw nating ginagamit sa mga student. So that can be also utilized dahil kung icocompare mo ngayon yung Icon, sa one day nila is mababa yung 100k a day na rental. So, taking a key from that kung kikita ka lang ng 50k-70k may additional income. And that income could already caution the impact of yung parating tuition fee increase so that is one reason also. Kaya pinapaganda nila para magkapagdictate ka ng price sa mga outsiders.
“We hope to complete it at least yung mga structural niya by the end of this year so it can be used for our graduation ceremonies dahil nalipat na ang ating graduation sa June. And usually sa June maulan, so nahihirapan ng magschedule sa labas ng graduation so yun ang target namin. Kahit man lang may roofing na by April or May, and then the other provisions would be done during the next school year.
“That will be a landmark not only for Cauayan but especially that will be dedicated for the use of the students primarily. So, if they will be given good facilities, I think that is one way of encouraging them also to finish and to study hard. And also, to inculcate in them the value of studying giving them a venue and a school that they can be proud of. Pag ka graduate nila, graduate ako diyan hindi yung kinakahiya mo pang sabihin na graduate ka. So yun lang. Sana kung ganyan, hindi lang sa gym, kung nagproprovide and administration for good facilities it is incumbent also sa mga students to take care of it. Dahil gagamitin din ng mga iba’t ibang students after they graduate. Then another batch will be coming in, parang ganun lang yan. “ Flores reiterated.
It might be true, that the new building will never be the same as the old one, but the memories will surely stay in the hearts of all alumni who have experienced the benefits of the old gymnasium. It is a decision approved by the board, surely for the betterment of everyone. Hence, when the covered multipurpose hall and gymnasium become available for use, students should know their core responsibilities.
It is a cycle that repeats itself over and over again. But another milestone that would surely make every Pillarican be proud of and grateful for.