Lieutenant Gov. Dennis James Mendiola joined Public School System officials on Wednesday for a groundbreaking ceremony launching construction of a $1.3 million new building at Francisco M. Sablan Middle School in San Antonio.
New Building C will replace the structure heavily damaged by Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018. The FEMA-funded school project has a target completion date of June 5, 2026. RNV Construction is the project contractor.
After the ceremony, Mendiola expressed his and Gov. David M. Apatang’s excitement about breaking ground on another school project, calling FMS an important part of the community.
“We want to make sure that it’s the best and the safest. This project will ensure that. On behalf of the governor and myself, we are excited for all,” he said.
Mendiola thanked the Board of Education, the education commissioner, the Public Assistance Office, and the Office of the Governor’s special advisor for policy and programs, Kimo Rosario, for their tireless work to move the project forward.
“This is a long-awaited project and here we are today,” he added.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho was represented by Dr. Yvonne Pangelinan, Senior Director of the Public School System’s Accountability, Research & Evaluation. She said the groundbreaking is a momentous occasion to create an environment where children can thrive: “It’s about giving kids spaces to grow, with teachers and staff who care, and having the resources they need to learn in an environment that fosters learning, growth, and thriving.”
Patrick Guerrero from the Public Assistance Office said after many years of waiting, construction will finally begin and thanked everyone for their patience—sometimes, he noted, things do take time. Even a small project, he said, is important, as it gives even one student a safe place to learn.
Sonya Dancoe, president of SP Dancoe & Associates, LLC, emphasized that Building C stands for hope, resilience, and the shared commitment of government and private partners to rebuilding the community with the highest level of care. The project, she stated, will build a new one-story, 3,477-square-foot reinforced concrete building, featuring two 900-square-foot classrooms, a resource room with three computer stations and attached ADA-compliant bathroom, separate male and female restrooms, and a utility room.
RNV Construction owner Ruel Villacrusis called the groundbreaking not just about Building C, but about honoring Francisco Mendiola Sablan’s legacy and advancing his vision for education as the foundation of opportunity.
“Every brick we lay represents a safe and modern space for students to learn—a commitment to nurturing curiosity and a future where every child has the chance to succeed,” Villacrusis said.
“In breaking the ground, we are not just turning soil. We are planting the seeds of knowledge and dreams.”
