A 20-classroom school building located at the Most Affected Area (MAA), Marawi City in Lanao del Sur was inaugurated for the learners under the Department of Education (DepEd).
DepEd joined Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) in the inauguration of a new school building in Marawi Integrated School that will accommodate displaced learners due to siege.
TFBM representatives from DepEd, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) unveiled the 1-unit, 4-story school building.
Additionally, DepEd noted that nine more school buildings are currently under construction in the integrated school, and it is expected to be completed in the next few months.
This effort, DepEd said, is part of the government’s rehabilitation program in the City.
“Through the continued leadership and commitment of the concerned government agencies, these school building projects will be accomplished within the agreed timeline and will soon accommodate our displaced learners,” Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua said.
Pascua, on behalf of DepEd, also thanked all the sectors that worked together to build the integrated school in Marawi.
Meanwhile, TFBM Chairman Eduardo Del Rosario noted that rebuilding schools and educational facilities are a priority in the government's rehabilitation program.
“One of the priorities in rehabilitation is rebuilding the educational system, and this infrastructure will show the whole country that we are focusing on the right direction in ensuring that education is given the topmost priority,” he said.
Visiting BARMM, Region X schools
Meanwhile, the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA) led by Pascua and the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service (DRRMS) visited and inspected schools in other parts of Lanao del Sur II, Lanao del Norte, and Bukidnon.
OUA and DRRMS oversaw the newly-built 1-unit, 3-classroom school building, which has an ongoing installation of 36 solar panels and water system units, in Sta. Cruz Elementary School, one of the Last Mile Schools (LMS) of DepEd in Maigo, Lanao del Norte.
Key officials of DepEd also visited the Makabugwas Ta San Dionesio and Lumatong Pangukuyan Ta Apu Man-uhay in Bukidnon to check the status of the ongoing construction of their school building.
Moreover, the Gabaldon Buildings in Samburon Integrated School in Lanao del Norte, Talakag Central School, and Kisolon Central Elementary School in Bukidnon were also inspected by the DepEd officials to know their current status after their restoration and renovation.