President Danilo Medina paid a surprise visit to the Instituto Politecnico Loyola yesterday, Wednesday 13 August 2014. The vocational high school is notable for the high quality of its graduates. Students were having lunch in the cafeteria when they noticed that the President was visiting and would be having lunch with them. Inevitably, “selfies” became the order of the day. The lunch was stewed chicken with rice and beans. The cafeteria has capacity for 1,500 students.
Medina was at the Politecnico to formally receive on behalf of the government improvements to the student residence with capacity for 35 students, roof and classrooms, an investment of RD$75 million. He also gave the symbolic ground start for the construction of a three level 30-classroom building, 26 offices and labs, and a module for teacher offices and student center, an additional contribution of RD$93 million. This is in addition to improvements to be made to old classroom buildings, sidewalks, parking area and sports courts, budgeted at RD$46 million. The government is also funding the construction of a Center for Scientific Research and Innovation, budgeted at RD$214 million. A new residence for 70 students will be constructed with a budget for RD$34.5 million.
The institute rector, Jesuit priest Jose Rafael Nunez presented a report on the completed works and with details of the works that would start next month after tenders are held to choose the contractors. He said that the government support would enable the institution to be renewed and brought up-to-date with the new times.
President Medina was accompanied by Minister of Public Works Gonzalo Castillo and San Cristobal provincial authorities, including governor Julio Cesar Diaz, senator Tommy Galan, deputy Nelson Guillen and regional director for the Ministry of Education Jose Hichez.
http://presidencia.gov.do/comunicados/danilo-medina-inaugura-aulas-en-politecnico-loyola-almuerza-con-estudiantes