I had the privilege to join the Day Hike Therapist Community for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly built Grade 3 classroom at Kalangyawon Elementary School in Ocaña, Carcar. This school was the beneficiary of the previous hike for a cause, which I wrote about in an earlier blog post "Transforming Lives at Kalangyawon Elementary School".

It felt wonderful to return to Kalangyawon after our visit in March when the funds to build the classroom were handed over. Now, after four months of hard work from the teachers and the community, the classroom is finally a reality.

The ribbon-cutting took place on July 28. We traveled all the way from Cebu City to be there, and the faculty, along with some parents and selected students, prepared lunch and a small program for us.

We were entertained with delightful dance numbers from the talented students of Kalangyawon and were deeply moved by the heartfelt messages of thanks from their head teacher, Dr. Ramil M. Gemota, and the other faculty and staff.

After the program, we proceeded with the highlight of the day: the ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Sir Raul of DHT. The finished classroom was ready just in time for the start of the school year, and we are overjoyed to have been part of something that will greatly benefit the students now and in the future.

Before the classroom was built, the Grade 3 students used to held their classes on the school stage with no proper classroom available. It was a challenge especially during rainy season considering they are holding a class on an open area.

The photo on the left was taken last March 17. The ground shown is where the classroom was built and on the right is the newly constructed classroom and walkway

Overall, DHT has completed three projects in Kalangyawon: a gate, a fence, and now the classroom.

None of this would have been possible without the help of the joiners, the guides, the volunteers, and the entire DHT family. The collective effort and dedication of everyone involved were truly inspiring.

It's incredible to see what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.

Now, with the new session of the hike for a cause, DHT is moving on to help another under-served community in Cambangkaya, Catmon, Cebu. The first two hikes already started on July 20 and 21, and there are more to come in the upcoming months. These hikes feature our favorite trails and some new ones, definitely a lot to look forward to.

If you share the same love for nature and passion for helping others, please follow Day Hike Therapist and join the cause. Together, we can reach more underserved communities and bring hope and change to others, even in small ways, while making new friends along the way.

As quoted from one of DHT's core members, Crestine, "Small hikes amount to great heights."

If you are interested in learning more or would like to make a donation, you can check out their official Facebook page.

Together, let's make a difference one day hike at a time.