By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Occidental provincial government has formalized an agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the construction of new classrooms in eight public schools across the province, strengthening efforts to address the shortage of learning facilities.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with DepEd, represented by Undersecretary Peter Corvera, during a ceremony held at the DepEd Central Office in Manila on July 9.

The classroom projects will benefit Don E. Bilbao Elementary School in Hinoba-an; Mainit Elementary School in Toboso; Ma-init Elementary School in Cauayan; Bunga Integrated School in Don Salvador Benedicto; Laga-an Elementary School in Calatrava; Medina Integrated School and Iliranan Integrated School in San Carlos City; and Salamanca Elementary School in Toboso.

Provincial officials said the initiative aims to expand access to safe and conducive learning spaces for students in various communities across Negros Occidental.

Lacson and Diaz expressed gratitude to DepEd, led by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, for approving the classroom construction projects.

They said the partnership reflects the national government’s continued commitment to improving educational infrastructure in the province while helping address the growing demand for additional classrooms in public schools.

The provincial government added that the projects are expected to enhance the learning environment and support the delivery of quality education to thousands of students in the beneficiary schools./CCJ, WDJ