During a simple turnover ceremony on Tuesday, Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro Jr. recalled how his father, Irineo “Apung Neung” Sr., wanted to become a teacher but because of poverty was not even able to finish elementary at the Concepcion South Elementary School where he was a consistent topnotcher.
Dr. Alvaro, a former Angeles City councilor and now president of BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corp., said the building officially named, “Apung Neung Multipurpose Hall,” was donated by their family to honor the memory of his father.
Dr. Alvaro said his father eventually became a carpenter after being forced to look for means of livelihood for his family. But he was consistently at the top of his class until his schooling came to a halt in sixth grade.
He added that despite his father’s predicament, his love for education never faded nor faltered even up to the point where his neighbors dubbed him “lupisak (lizard)” for striving hard and his persistence to make sure that all of his children finish their education in spite of his meager income.
Dr. Alvaro said in jest that his father was like a lizard that tends to embrace things larger than what his arms can clasp.
But ultimately, his father’s undying determination prevailed and proved all others wrong,” he enthused.
Dr. Alvaro added that because of his father, he and his three sisters are all successful in their endeavors, both in terms of schooling and their chosen careers.
“This multipurpose hall is dedicated to every elementary graduate student, as it heralds the fulfilment of Apung Neung’s dream of finishing his primary education. May every child be filled with the same tenacity for success, the same hunger for education, and be always a part of the never ending pursuit for knowledge and excellence,” Alvaro said.
May Batenga -Escaler, Department of Education Schools’ Division Superintendent, said the multipurpose hall is a welcome development to the school and pupils which they can utilize for holding school events and activities such as graduations, intramurals and other programs.
For his part, Concepcion Mayor Andy Lacson thanked the Alvaro family for the timely construction of the multipurpose
hall, adding that it took only two months to build after promising to donate it during Alvaro’s 57th birthday last April 27.
Lacson also thanked Alvaro for donating 300 bags of cement to be used in the construction of additional school amenities as he vowed that municipal employees, teachers, PTA and barangay officials will work hand in hand to finish the project.
Meanwhile, Shenayah Loise Catacutan, a Grade 6 pupil spoke in behalf of the studentsand thanked the Alvaro family for the multipurpose building which was a longtime dream of the school but has now become a reality.
“Ito ay isang mahalagang araw na hindi po namin malilimutan dahil sa araw na ito ay natupad na ang isang pangarap na matagal na naming inaasam — asam. Hindi na namin muling mararanasan ang mabasa ng ulan o bumaybay sa baha kung kami ay may gagawing palatuntunan dahil kami ay may covered court na. Mas malaya na po kaming makakasilong at makakapaglarokahit na umuulan o mainit man ang sikat ang araw, “she said.
“Your act of generosity is also a challenge to me and to my fellow students. A challenge that someday I would like to be just like you — being able to donate such a huge project in this school for the benefit of the students,” she added.
Dr. Alvaro said his family wants nothing in return from the students except to have a good education as he advised them to study well so that in return, when they themselves become successful in life, they can also give back to the community. “A good education is the best gift anyone can give or receive,” he added.
