BACOLOD City – Nearly 25 public schools in Bacolod City have been identified for classroom rehabilitation as the city government intensifies efforts to improve learning facilities and provide students with safer and more conducive classrooms.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city government is working to complete the ongoing repair and renovation of 1,183 classrooms, with the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) targeting completion by early December this year.
The rehabilitation covers the installation of additional electric fans, lighting fixtures, and window screens, as well as electrical and plumbing improvements and repairs to school comfort rooms and water facilities.
Gasataya said preparations for the initiative began during the previous quarter through discussions with the Local School Board, particularly on the utilization of available funds for classroom repairs and improvements.
He explained that while the Department of Education (DepEd) is responsible for constructing new classrooms through its own funding and implementation programs, the city government is prioritizing the rehabilitation of existing facilities using available resources.
The mayor noted that repairing existing classrooms offers a faster way to address the shortage of suitable learning spaces, as the construction of new school buildings could take more than a year before they become operational.
Initial assessments identified 24 to 25 schools for rehabilitation, with additional facilities to be included in succeeding phases.
Some schools affected by recent typhoons and other calamities have also been identified for repairs, although rehabilitation work in certain facilities may begin in the first quarter of next year.
Gasataya said the city government intends to continue allocating funds for classroom rehabilitation next year until all public schools requiring repairs have been covered.
The initiative follows evaluations conducted by the CEO after previous calamities, including earthquakes and typhoons, which highlighted the need to improve the condition of public school facilities.
Meanwhile, the city government is also finalizing the procurement process for the installation of walk-through security inspection facilities in approximately 20 schools.
Gasataya reiterated the city’s commitment to improving public school infrastructure and ensuring that students have access to safer, better-equipped, and more comfortable learning environments./PN
