The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) on Monday turned over the newly renovated Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NFSL) Child Development Center facility inside the naval station in Barangay Rawis, this city, as part of the Pacific Partnership 2024.

In an interview, Lt. Seo Jong Hun, commander of ROKN, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1, said the renovation was conducted for more than a week and cost more than USD5,000 or over PHP200,000.

“We conducted three types of assignments for this facility; the first was repairing the roof, outdoor painting, and inside changing. We incorporated it with the Philippine Navy and made a master plan. We hope that the kindergarten pupils will enjoy this place of learning,” Seo said.

He said they chose the 200-square-meter child development center renovation project as part of their participation in the Pacific Partnership 2024 since they believed that children are the future of every country.

“Children are the future, they need to study a lot,” he said.

Seo said that aside from the facility, they also renovated parts of Sawangan Park and Legazpi Elementary School.

Aside from renovation, the ROKN also donated electric fans and coloring materials for children.

Lt. Kim Paulo Lopez, NFSL Public Affairs Unit chief, said the newly renovated facility will play a big role in supporting the children’s education.

“We know that daycare centers play a crucial role in the development and nurturing of our children at the start of their educational program,” he said.

Lopez said they will now coordinate with the concerned agencies to ensure documentary requirements for the operation of the child development center.

The facility stopped its operation due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Capt. Edwin Nera, NFSL acting commander, thanked the Pacific Partnership 2024 and the ROKN for the newly renovated facility.

“Your hard work and dedication created a place where our children can grow, learn, and thrive. This center is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a testament to the power of collaboration and enduring bonds that unite us. Thank you for your unwavering support, your friendship, and for helping us build a brighter future for our children,” he said.

The Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific.

The mission team will be in Legazpi City until Aug. 14. (PNA)