Like the phoenix, Manila school rises from ashes.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Tarra V. Quismundo

IT WAS like the first day of classes again for a school in San Miguel, Manila, that lost three buildings in a recent fire.

The Geronimo Santiago Elementary School had to try to keep things normal despite the recent loss of the buildings.

Though some students had yet to return to class, the number of those who did prompted the school to hold classes in the lobby, garage, library and the gymnasium. Other Manila public schools donated desks for the use of the students.

The school administration decided to resume classes despite grim reminders of the recent fire-charred ruins of buildings yet to be completely demolished to prevent the students from losing more learning hours. The school missed a full week of classes because of the fire.

"We are like 'newbies' here all over again... we feel like we are back to zero. But the students were all excited to come back, even if we had to hold our classes like this," said Marillie Gueco, who has been teaching for almost 15 years now.