The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of more than 75,000 classrooms nationwide in the past three (3) years.
Secretary Mark A. Villar said that in spite of present restrictions for face to face classes, enrollees both in elementary and secondary as well as the senior high schools students will have better ambiance for studying once physical classes are allowed with comfortable and spacious classrooms built by the government.
Considering the importance of school buildings in the delivery of quality education, there are now schools having large number of enrollees with more than enough classrooms, added Secretary Villar.
DPWH data revealed that 75,479 classrooms were delivered to completion with 50,562 in 2017; 23,161 in 2018; and 1,756 in 2019.
Moreover, more classroom projects of DPWH in convergence with the Department of Education (DepEd) under the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEEF) program are in various stages of completion nationwide.
For the efficient and successful execution of the program, a modified DPWH-DepEd school building plans for one storey to four storey are used by DPWH in implementing projects with the DepEd monitoring the progress of construction work and to accept those completed in accordance with the approved program of work and meeting the required standard.
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-19 pandemic and on the assumption that a vaccine would be soon available, said Secretary Villar.
The annual allocation for school building construction are intended for learners high demand of classrooms considering the steady growth in school population especially in fast growing areas.
By having adequate funds for classroom construction, it will also prevent the use of temporary classrooms such as stage, open hallways, enclosed corridors and makeshift structures made of plywood just to conduct classes.
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