ILOILO – At least 44 additional classrooms will be constructed in 15 public schools across 14 municipalities in Iloilo province to address classroom shortages and improve learning conditions through a P127.41-million school infrastructure program.
The funding, sourced from the Special Education Fund (SEF), covers 22 projects involving classroom construction, building rehabilitation and other educational facilities.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of checks to project recipients at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on October 29, marking the first batch of releases under the 2026 SEF infrastructure program.
Of the total allocation, P103.39 million will finance classroom and instructional building construction, with the largest shares of P11.8 million each earmarked for two-storey, four-classroom buildings at Tiolas National High School in San Joaquin and San Antonio National High School in Barotac Viejo.
Leganes Central Elementary School will receive P8.6 million for a two-storey, four-classroom building, while Cambitu Elementary School in Oton and Dueñas General Comprehensive High School will each receive P7.7 million for four-classroom buildings. The latter will accommodate science, technology and engineering learners.
Other allocations include P7.6 million for a two-unit, two-classroom building at Agmanaphao Elementary School in Mina and P7.3 million for a three-classroom building at Sto. Angel Elementary School in San Miguel.
In Janiuay, Caraudan Elementary School and Canauillan Elementary School will receive P5.7 million and P6.7 million, respectively.
Additional beneficiaries include Binaliuan National High School in Tigbauan, Sulong Elementary School in Alimodian, Nasaka Primary School in Maasin, Jiloca Elementary School in Cabatuan and Malapaya National High School in Sara.
Kirayan National High School in Miagao will receive P2.75 million for a Home Economics building, while P1.35 million will fund classroom roofing rehabilitation at Sitio Aro Primary School in Concepcion.
Meanwhile, P22.67 million has been earmarked for other school facilities, including a P6.26-million seawall at Asluman Elementary School and a P6-million mini gymnasium and stage at Tabugon Integrated School, both in Carles.
Cabatuan will receive P4.35 million for a covered court at Gaub Elementary School and P1.71 million for the completion of another covered court at Wenceslao S. Grio National High School.
A P3.5-million water system improvement project will benefit Fernando Arlos Memorial School and Deogracia Arlos Memorial National High School in Concepcion, while Astorga Elementary School in Badiangan will receive an P850,000 solar photovoltaic system.
Defensor expressed confidence in the provincial government’s strategy of directly releasing project funds to local government units and barangays, citing their capacity to implement infrastructure projects efficiently.
Following the turnover, recipients underwent a technical orientation led by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, together with representatives of the provincial legal, bids and awards committee, and engineering offices.
The orientation focused on procurement procedures, construction specifications and compliance requirements to ensure the projects meet established standards.
“We want to see to it nga ang aton pag-implement sang project is up to standards and compliant sa aton terms of reference and detailed architectural and engineering design,” Banias said./PN
