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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Sa wakas!' DPWH vows to include CRs in improving public school facilities

'Sa wakas!' DPWH vows to include CRs in improving public school facilities

Published Jul 5, 2026 12:56 pm  |  Updated Jul 5, 2026 02:02 pm
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon inspects a comfort room at the Liwan Elementary School in Rizal, Kalinga. (photo: DPWH)
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon inspects a comfort room at the Liwan Elementary School in Rizal, Kalinga. (photo: DPWH)
Remember what your dad told you about that golden rule to never ever poop in your pants in the classroom?
Well, students in public schools will soon have a reliable place to run to and unload after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) vowed to ensure functioning comfort rooms amid the ongoing efforts to improve old and dilapidated school buildings across the country.
The assurance was made by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon himself after visiting a public school in Rizal town of Kalinga where he saw the unsafe and deplorable conditions of school facilities, particularly comfort rooms.
“The comfort rooms are one of the most important (facilities in school) because children may get sick if the CRs are not working well,” said Dizon after inspecting the Liwan West Elementary School in Rizal town.
The comfort room problem is not something that is exclusive to the students and teachers of the Liwan West Elementary School.
Across the country in most public schools, functioning and presentable comfort rooms are not common and in worst cases, they are even locked and not accessible to students.
And this is a problem that not only parents usually complain about now— but also something that even Gen Zs and millennials who are products of public schools could really relate to.
For Dizon, this must be addressed in the soonest possible time.
“Let’s make sure that all our students are fine and safe in schools. Let us give dignity to the students,” said Dizon.
In the same inspection, Dizon noticed the dilapidated facilities and teachers told him that the classrooms at the Liwan West Elementary School were built in the 1980s.
From the noticeable cracks on the concrete floor and wall up to the broken ceiling, the classrooms need a total overhaul.
And Dizon said improving school facilities, including functioning and presentable comfort rooms, is something that the DPWH will pursue not only in Kalinga but also in other parts of the country.
“That’s what the President wants us to do: to monitor the situation on the ground and fix things that need a solution,” said Dizon.

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