The Department of Education (DepEd) targets to build nearly 600 classrooms this year for so-called “Last Mile Schools.”
Last Mile Schools refers to schools located in remote areas and conflict-affected areas.
On Tuesday, the department said it plans to build 599 classrooms for such schools before the end of 2022.
“These schools with concrete walls, electricity and clean water are more than buildings. They represent hope for our learners. They are symbols that we care to bring education to the most challenged and remote places in the country,” said Education Secretary Leonor Briones.
According to the latest report of DepEd’s Education Facilities Division (EFD), 259 classrooms are expected to be completed by the end of May 2022, while 340 classrooms are targeted by August.
“Most of our projects are all under construction. These classrooms and schools will soon host learners and teachers, and they will have electricity, running water, and most importantly, they will have brand-new tables and chairs that they can use,” said EFD chief Annabelle Pangan.
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DepEd targets to build 599 classrooms this 2022
For the fiscal year 2022, DepEd received P1.5 billion in funding for the construction of 97 schools and 340 classrooms under the Last Mile Schools program.
Recently, DepEd also launched an exhibit showcasing new school building designs to address the problem of classroom shortage in the country.
The new designs were unveiled at a DepEd Central Office display in Pasig City, which was attended by agency officials and officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
According to Education Undersecretary Alain Pascua, the designs are now accessible to local government units that want to implement them with the cooperation of the DPWH.
“Any local government unit may just ask a copy from us para bigay namin sa kanila,” said Pascua. He added the buildings as the “public schools of the future.”
“Marami kasing local government units na matataas ang pondo at kaya nilang magtayo kaagad niyan. Iyong 12-story niyan, 60 classrooms, more or less it’s about P600 million ang magiging worth niyan. Mura na iyon,” Pascua added.
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