U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Leslie Bassett turns over school building in Basilan

By Kates Allas, Zambo Times

Way back 11th of May 2010 during the heat of election campaign a group of unidentified fully armed men raided Basilan and burned 5 different schools that includes Caddayan Elementary School, at Brgy. Caddayan, Akbar. The effects to the community is traumatic, children were characterized by feelings of loss and helplessness.

After assessing the damages to the school buildings and the estimate and scope of works to be done, the Civil Military Operations of 1st Marine, 32nd Infantry (DAREDEVIL) Battalion, Brigade, Phil. Navy 1st Naval Construction Battalion and Civil Affairs

Team-732 of JSOTF(P), DECS-ARMM and Local Gov't of Akbar Officials joined forces to do the necessary undertakings in re-building the school.

Last October 8, 2010 the school that was onced burned was now newly constructed and turned-over to the local folks of Caddayan by no less than the US Chargé d’Affaires Ms.Leslie Bassett.

During the ceremony Ms. Bassett was accompanied by the Deputy Mission Director, USAID-GEM Mrs. Elzadia Washington and MinDa Chair-Sec. Luwalhati Antonino.

The school project costs P879,000.

The dignitaries and guest are welcomed by Mayor Hon. Alih Sali, together with the following:

Mun. Administrator, Engr. Tahir Latip Mrs. Nurhaya Abdurahim-Division Superintendent, DEPED-ARMM, BGEN. Eugenio Clemen, MGen. Benjamin Dolorfino, JSOTF Capt. Robert Gusentine.

http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/25319-U.S.-Charge-dAffaires-Leslie-Bassett-turns-over-school-building-in-Basilan.html