By Xander Ledesma
The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched a P227-million school building project in Iloilo to address the growing need for classrooms, benefiting eight schools in the city and province. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on December 13, 2024, at Iloilo National High School (INHS) and was led by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Representative James Ang Jr., and Iloilo 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor.
Among the projects are P23.5-million three-story, six-classroom buildings for Hibao-an Integrated Elementary School, Arevalo Elementary School, Iloilo Central School, Uswag San Isidro Elementary School, and Mandurriao Elementary School. Fort San Pedro National High School and Iloilo City National High School will each receive a P31.5-million four-story, eight-classroom building. A P46.8-million four-story, 12-classroom building will also be constructed for INHS.
Education Secretary Ang facilitated the funding for the projects at the request of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Governor Defensor, aiming to ease overcrowding and improve learning conditions. Ang emphasized the significance of ensuring infrastructure projects are delivered in every town and municipality as part of the administration’s commitment to education.
Schools Division of Iloilo City Superintendent Ma. Luz De Los Reyes highlighted the importance of the new buildings, particularly for secondary schools experiencing a shortage of classrooms. Iloilo City National High School, for instance, still lacks 60 classrooms to achieve a one-classroom-to-one-class ratio, even with the current project and other ongoing constructions funded through the Special Education Fund.
Meanwhile, Fort San Pedro National High School has begun implementing class shifting schedules to accommodate its increasing student population. De Los Reyes expressed gratitude for the inclusion of Iloilo schools in the infrastructure program, saying they hope more schools will receive similar projects in the coming years.
The school buildings are expected to be completed in time for the opening of the next academic year, providing a more conducive learning environment for students and teachers across Iloilo.