BUILDING FAITH

Burawanons consider new church a ‘blessing’; 30M project rise as ICP initiative

Studes reject weekend homeworks

Removal of homework over weekends and holidays, less monetary requirements, and reduction of projects are among the top changes students would like to see at Burauen Comprehensive National High School (BCNHS).

This is among the findings of the survey conducted by The Dove, the school’s official student publication on April 17-20. They polled 120 students on the question, “What are the changes you would like to see at Burauen Comprehensive National High School?”

Results of the survey showed that removal of homework over weekends and holidays was the top pick, as expressed by 49.17% of respondents.

“We’re supposed to be resting on weekends and holidays, not facing a pen and paper. Our lives do not revolve in education alone,” said Grade 9 student Trisha Jade Morano

The idea was affirmed by Kyline Joi Radam, another Grade 9 student, who recalled receiving over seven homework on Christmas break.

“I really don’t see how they expect us to do our schoolwork during school breaks. At this point, holidays can no longer be referred to as rest days,” Radam pointed out.

The Dove survey held on March 29 - 30, showed that out of 100 Burawanons, 72 are satisfied with the recent construction of the church, 12 are dissatisfied, 16 remain neutral as to this development.

“I am blessed to witness its near completion and the beautiful façade brings tears of joy,” Estrella Gamba, a devotee said during the church formal opening on April 2.

Parish treasurer Angela Yo-deko Brosas recalled that the construction of ICP started on May 4, 2015 during the term of Rev. Fr. Ambrosio

Avelino Jr.

With an initial funding of PHP20 million, the project was Avelino’s top priority within the first three months of his stint.

The new parish priest, Rev. Fr. Carlos Rodriguez Jr. disclosed that the parish recently spent PHP3 million, bringing the total cost to PHP23 million.

Rodriguez, Jr. said the parish has been spending PHP20,000 to PHP80,000 monthly to pay the construction workers.

Currently, the church is working on expanding the sanctuary area by 10 meters, which is up for completion within a year.

According to Rodriguez Jr., they have not set a target date to finish the entire structure, but he’s optimistic to work on the final finishing of building’s interior before his term expires in 2026.

To recall, the project was then proposed by former parish priest Msgr. Jaime Villanueva in

2012 with a budget of PHP25 million.

The present development now adheres to Avelino Jr.’s gothic style which was inspired by those found online.

Once the construction is done, it is eyed to be recognized as a national pilgrim church of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

“As a parishoner and devotee of the Immaculate Conception, I believe that the budget for the construction of our church is justifiable,” Belen Acero concluded.