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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Over 75,000 classrooms built nationwide since 2017 --- DPWH

Over 75,000 classrooms built nationwide since 2017 --- DPWH

Published Nov 24, 2020 02:20 pm

More than 75,000 classrooms were built throughout the Philippines in the past three years, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.

(DPWH FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN)

A total of 75,479 classrooms were delivered to completion with 50,562 in 2017; 23,161 in 2018; and 1,756 in 2019 around the country.  

“In spite of present restrictions (on not having) face to face classes, enrollees both in elementary and secondary as well as the senior high schools students will have better ambience for studying once physical classes are allowed with comfortable and spacious classrooms built by the government,” Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said.

“Considering the importance of school buildings in the delivery of quality education, there are now schools having large numbers of enrollees with more than enough classrooms,” he added.

He said that more classroom projects of the department in convergence with the Department of Education (DepEd) under the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEEF) program are “in various stages of completion nationwide.”

A modified DPWH-DepEd model school building plan for one story to four story buildings is being used in implementing projects.  The DepEd has been monitoring the progress of construction work and accepting completed buildings in accordance with the approved program of work and required standards.

“Hopefully, more projects will be turned over in time for the possible resumption of face-to-face classes in 2021 in areas with lower threat posed by the COVID-19pandemic and on the assumption that a vaccine would be soon available,” said Villar.

“The annual allocations for school building construction are intended for learners' high demand for classrooms considering the steady growth in school population especially in fast growing areas,” the secretary added.

Having adequate funds for classroom construction would also preclude the use of temporary classrooms such as stage, open hallways, enclosed corridors and makeshift structures made of plywood.

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