Rising from the Ashes: Agay NHS Students Help Rebuild Their Future

In the wake of destruction, resilience takes center stage. After a devastating fire struck Agay National High School in 2023, students and teachers faced an uncertain future. Classrooms were lost, but the determination to continue learning remained strong.

Now, in S.Y. 2024, hope is being rebuilt—both literally and figuratively. With funding from the Department of Education (DepEd), a temporary learning center has been constructed to ensure that students still have access to quality education. And while they did not build the classrooms themselves, the students of Agay NHS played a crucial role in the process, lending their hands and hearts to the effort.

Students Lending a Hand in Recovery

As the framework of the temporary learning center took shape, Senior High School students from the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) strand stepped in to assist. They helped move materials, supported construction workers, and worked together to prepare the space for learning. Their involvement was not just an act of service—it was a reflection of their dedication to their education and their school community.

“We wanted to do our part,” said one TVL student. “Even if we didn’t build the classrooms, helping in any way we could made us feel like we were contributing to something bigger.”

The newly built structure, with its sturdy wooden frames and fresh roofing, now stands as a testament to teamwork and perseverance.

Education Beyond the Classroom

For the TVL students, assisting in the rebuilding efforts was more than just a responsibility—it was a hands-on learning experience. They witnessed construction techniques, gained practical knowledge, and saw firsthand how teamwork and determination can create meaningful change.

“Our students didn’t just watch from the sidelines,” a teacher shared. “They became part of the process, showing that education isn’t just about what happens inside a classroom—it’s about how we apply what we learn in real life.”

A School United in Hope

Despite the challenges brought by last year’s fire, the students and faculty of Agay NHS have proven that adversity can be met with unity and action. Thanks to the swift response of DepEd and the collective effort of the school community, learning continues without interruption.

The temporary learning center may not be a permanent solution, but it is a powerful reminder that education persists even in the face of hardship. And for the students who helped bring it to life, it serves as a lasting lesson in resilience, teamwork, and the power of taking action for a better future.