"I’ve been to many places, but never have I received such a warm welcome as the people of Prieto Diaz (have given me)." Switzerland Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Sutter was obviously filled with delight at how the small town locals received him. Ambassador Sutter paid Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon a special visit last July 20 in time for the inauguration of the new Swiss Embassy School Building, adding three spanking brand-new classrooms to Sta. Lourdes Elementary School. Children milled about, waving miniature versions of the flag of Switzerland to show the Ambassador their appreciation.
The project was triggered by the November 30, 2006 super typhoon Reming (Durian), which brought much destruction to life and property in the Bicol region, including damages to the main Sta. Lourdes Elementary School building. The Swiss Embassy, in partnership with the Department of Education, sought the technical expertise of Christian Housing Ministry, Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP), in building an additional school building to accommodate the growing number of pupils in the municipality of Prieto Diaz.
Habitat for Humanity Philippines National Board of Trustees Corporate Secretary Erlynn Bernardez-Campos emphasized: "Children will not have a place for learning if we did not hold hands (and work together)." Clearly proud of HFHP’s competency in building typhoon-proof houses and schools, Mrs. Campos guaranteed that the steel-frame technology Habitat uses can withstand winds up to 250km/hour.
In response, Ambassador Sutter expressed, "I really hoped that this building will withstand another typhoon, but (with) what I’ve heard from (Habitat), I (am now) very sure of this. The thing I most admired during the 14 months I’ve been in this country is the spirit of the people of the Philippines. The optimism you always preserved, the very positive attitude -- even when a disaster hits -- that is most admirable. I only hope you will preserve this excellent spirit and impart to the young people and young children studying in the municipality of Prieto Diaz."
Present to welcome the dignitaries were Prieto Diaz Municipal Mayor Benito L. Doma, School Division Superintendent Dr. Lorna D. Dino and Sorsogon Governor Sally A. Lee. Entertainment numbers were provided by the Sta. Lourdes PTCA and selected Sta. Lourdes Elementary School pupils.
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