By CESAR JOLITO III
The shortage of classrooms continues to be one of the biggest challenges the Department of Education in the Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) faces, with more than 2,000 learning facilities still needed as classes begin in less than a week.
DepEd-NIR said the deficit in facilities includes classrooms that were damaged or destroyed by typhoons and other natural calamities that struck the region in recent years.
Despite the pressing need, DepEd-NIR Regional Director Dr. Ramir Uytico assured the public that the issue has already been elevated to Education Secretary Sonny Angara and that efforts are underway to address the backlog.
Uytico said DepEd is also coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to secure additional funding and speed up the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms.
The collaboration aims to ensure that students have access to safe and adequate learning facilities as enrollment continues to increase.
Meanwhile, DepEd Undersecretary Fatima Lipp Panontongan emphasized that classroom construction is no longer limited to the education department alone.
Panontongan said LGUs, civil society organizations, the engineering units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other partner groups are now authorized to help build classrooms, expanding the government’s capacity to respond to infrastructure needs in schools.
Education officials expressed optimism that the broader participation of various sectors will help accelerate efforts to reduce the classroom shortage and improve learning conditions for students.
Brigada Eskwela
Meanwhile, DepEd-NIR launched the weeklong Brigada Eskwela yesterday, an annual initiative that mobilizes volunteers from government agencies, local government units, private sectors, and communities to prepare public schools for the opening of classes on Monday, June 8.
The Police Regional Office (PRO) in NIR joined the school maintenance program through its regional kick-off ceremony at Talisay Hope GK Sibol Elementary School in Negros Occidental’s Talisay City.
Led by its Regional Community Affairs and Development Division, PRO-NIR actively participated in school preparation activities aimed at ensuring safe, clean and conducive learning environments ahead of the opening of classes.
The event gathered education and law enforcement stakeholders, highlighting stronger collaboration between agencies and local communities in supporting basic education programs.
The ceremony was graced by Panontongan, who delivered the keynote message and reaffirmed the Department of Education’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening the initiative.
PRO-NIR took part in the activities supporting classroom readiness efforts, in line with the nationwide volunteer-driven school maintenance program.
The regional police office emphasized that its participation reflects its continuing commitment to community engagement beyond traditional law enforcement duties, reiterating its support for programs that promote youth development, civic responsibility and stronger partnerships among the Philippine National Police, DepEd, LGUs, and stakeholders.
Through its involvement in Brigada Eskwela, PRO-NIR underscored its role in helping build safer, more supportive learning environments, recognizing education as a key pillar in strengthening resilient and empowered communities in the region./CCJ, WDJ