A historic and momentous occasion unfolded on the afternoon of March 6, 2025, as Surigao City
proudly celebrated the blessing and turnover ceremony of the newly completed Division Training
Center and the stunningly rebuilt Covered Court at Surigao City Pilot School (SCPS). This landmark
event, held at the SCPS Covered Court, was a powerful reflection of the city’s unwavering dedication
to advancing educational infrastructure and empowering the future of its students. It was not only a
significant milestone for the school but also a shining example of the resilience and collective
vision of the community.
Presiding over the ceremony was the esteemed Rev. Fr. Denish Ilogon, DCS, who led the sacred
blessing of the two remarkable facilities. The Division Training Center, a long-anticipated dream of
the Surigao City Division, replaces the former division office and is poised to become a vibrant hub
for educational programs and professional development. This state-of-the-art center promises to
elevate the quality of education in the region, providing modern and expansive facilities for both
students and educators alike.
The event also spotlighted the awe-inspiring SCPS Covered Court, which was completely rebuilt
following the devastation of Typhoon Odette in 2021. Completed in January 2025, the new covered
court stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, providing a much-needed space for sports,
assemblies, and a multitude of school activities. This project, funded by the Province of Surigao
del Norte, is a testament to the boundless generosity and commitment of Governor Robert Lyndon S.
Barbers, whose passion for educational advancement is evident in every brick and beam.
A remarkable gathering of dignitaries attended the event, including Hon. Robert Lyndon S. Barbers,
Provincial Governor; Hon. Eddie "Geed" D. Gokiangkee Jr., Provincial Vice-Governor; Hon. Alfonso S.
Casurra, City Vice-Mayor; Hon. Pablo Ives L. Dumlao II , and the respected Surigao City Councilors.
Also present were Dr. Marilou B. Dedumo, CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent of Surigao City,
along with district supervisors, school principals, and other educational leaders. In attendance
also were the supportive School Alumni Officers and HPTA officers. Their presence underscored the
immense importance of these newly constructed facilities, marking a pivotal moment in the
advancement of education within the city.
With heartfelt gratitude, School Principal Donald T. Arquiza warmly welcomed the distinguished
guests, acknowledging the significance of the moment. In his address, he highlighted the immense
value of the newly completed SCPS Covered Court, a long-awaited dream come true for the students,
parents, and the entire Surigao City Pilot School (SCPS) family. "Today marks the realization of one
of the most cherished dreams of our Batang Pilotians and their parents — the turnover of our newly
finished SCPS Covered Court," he shared, his voice filled with emotion. "We've dreamt of this for so
long because we know how vital it is for our students and parents, and for everyone in the SCPS
community. This facility will be a hub for countless activities, and we are deeply grateful to
Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers for allocating the funds to make this possible, as well as to our
Division Superintendent, Dr. Marilou B. Dedumo, for her unwavering support. Thank you, Ma’am, thank
you, Gov."
Principal Arquiza expressed his immense gratitude for the presence of the LGU officials at the
event, calling their participation a significant blessing. He also took the opportunity to address
some of the school's ongoing needs, including the lack of electrical lighting in the covered court,
the need for a high-end sound system as promised by City Vice-Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra, and
additional monoblock chairs for the school. Furthermore, he extended his appreciation to
Vice-Governor Eddie "Geed" D. Gokiangkee, Jr. for his generous donation of a basketball board to the
school, which would greatly benefit the students.
Proudly, Principal Arquiza shared the school's continued success in sports and its top-tier
performance in various fields, further emphasizing SCPS’s distinction as a champion in both
academics and athletics. He also highlighted the school’s recent strides in offering a Special
Program in Journalism, which now requires a speech lab to enhance the students' learning experience.
Looking forward, he expressed excitement about the upcoming implementation of a Special Science
Curriculum for the next school year.
"Allow me to express my deepest thanks for all of these dreams coming true for our Batang
Pilotians," said Principal Arquiza. "We couldn’t have accomplished this alone. We rely on the
unwavering support of our city and provincial officials to make these aspirations a reality. Thank
you all very much."The program was filled with optimism, gratitude, and the promise of continued
progress as Vice-Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra, a proud SCPS alumnus, expressed his heartfelt commitment
to further enhancing the school’s growth. He made an impassioned pledge to address the remaining
needs of the covered court, including the installation of electrical lighting and the donation of
Monoblock chairs, and Hi-end sound system, ensuring the venue would be fully equipped for a variety
of events. Vice-Mayor Casurra underscored the critical importance of the covered court in fostering
physical well-being, community spirit, and a sense of pride for the entire school population.
As the top-performing school in the region, SCPS is now equipped with a facility that will serve as
the beating heart of sports, entertainment, and community gatherings. The covered court stands as a
powerful symbol of new beginnings, providing a versatile space where students can come together,
engage in athletics, and celebrate significant milestones.
The atmosphere was filled with a heartwarming sense of nostalgia as select teachers from SCPS took
to the stage to perform a soulful song for the guests. Their performance, brimming with emotion,
captured the deep bond between the school’s educators, students, and alumni, and set the tone for a
truly unforgettable celebration.
The event culminated with the highly anticipated symbolic turnover of the keys to the Division
Training Center and SCPS Covered Court, officially entrusting the completed projects into the
capable hands of the school and local government. The symbolic handover ceremony was attended by the
governor, school officials, contractors, and other distinguished guests, each marking the moment as
a key turning point in the city’s educational development.
Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, in his heartfelt address, reiterated his steadfast commitment to
the growth and development of education in Surigao City and the entire province. He vowed to
continue supporting initiatives that empower students with the resources and opportunities they need
to thrive academically and personally.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the blessing and turnover of the Division Training Center and SCPS
Covered Court marked more than just the completion of physical structures. They symbolized a bold
step forward for Surigao City’s educational landscape, a testament to the unity and commitment of
the local government, school officials, and the entire community. These newly inaugurated facilities
are not only spaces for learning, growth, and sports but also powerful emblems of hope, resilience,
and progress for the future.
With each project completed, a brighter, more promising future for Batang Pilotians takes shape. The
Division Training Center is poised to be a beacon of educational excellence, offering teachers and
students alike a dynamic space for innovation and development. Meanwhile, the SCPS Covered Court
stands as a symbol of recovery and renewal, a place where the spirit of sportsmanship, school pride,
and community engagement will continue to flourish.
In the words of Principal Arquiza, “We can’t do this alone, but together, with the support of our
dedicated leaders, these dreams will continue to thrive and pave the way for future generations of
students.” As Surigao City Pilot School embarks on this new chapter, it does so with renewed hope
and unwavering determination—ready to face the challenges of tomorrow and seize the opportunities of
the future.
The blessing and turnover ceremony not only celebrated the successful completion of these pivotal
projects but also reinforced the powerful partnership between the local government and the community
in shaping an enriched educational environment for generations to come.
