By Brian Campued
In line with the administration’s thrust for improving the education system in the Philippines, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the importance of finding innovative solutions to address long-standing problems such as classroom shortage.
One such example is the delivery of learning spaces using modular technology in Mariveles, Bataan, where the President along with the Department of Education (DepEd) Sec. Sonny Angara inspected two newly installed prefabricated classrooms at Mariveles National High School (MNHS) – Cabcaben Annex (Alasasin).
“Maganda ito because ang design nito ay mas matibay ito. Hanggang… Sa lindol eight ‘di ba? Up to level eight kaya niyang ma-withstand. Sa ano naman sa bagyo 300 kilometers per hour of winds. It’s rated for that with a 20-year warranty,” Pres. Marcos Jr. said in a media interview following the inspection on Thursday.
“So, it’s a better design at saka mas mabilis ang production,” he added.
Prefabricated classrooms are modular units pre-made at manufacturing plants, which are then installed on-site.
These types of learning spaces are typically constructed within two weeks compared to conventional buildings—a practical interim solution while permanent school buildings are being developed, according to Angara.
“Ang mahalaga, mas mabilis nating nabibigyan ng maayos na silid-aralan ang ating mga mag-aaral. Habang tinutugunan natin ang long-term classroom needs, may agarang solusyon para hindi na kailangang magsiksikan ang mga bata,” the Education chief said.
The prefabricated classrooms in MNHS–Cabcaben, which were completed through support from First Lady Liza Marcos and the Next Gen Foundation, will benefit over 1,000 learners, especially as the school expects an increase in enrollment for the upcoming school year.
Traditional to digital online learning
During the visit, the President also observed the use of Xepto Learning Management System (XLMS), a centralized digital platform that supports modern teaching, efficient school management, and personalized learning.
According to MNHS learning facilitator Raymart Rosario, among the platforms of XLMS are the Xepto, which provides a digital library where students can access Deped- aligned learning materials anchored in the cultural contexts of communities in Bataan, and Achieve3000, which aims to improve the literacy skills of learners.
“Pangunahing layunin nito (XLMS) ay magbigay ng secure na environment para sa delivery ng lessons, learning resources, and of course, the assessments,” Rosario said, noting that the system also uses artificial intelligence to help teachers in crafting learning interventions and lesson plans based on data on student assessments.
Beyond infrastructure, Marcos Jr. also oversaw the turnover of 300 learning tablets by the Provincial Government of Bataan to the MNHS–Cabcaben for use of Grade 7 learners.
He also visited the Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) at Kalinga Caravan, a joint initiative of the DepEd and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), which provides free medical consultations, laboratory services, medicines, and vision screening for students and school personnel.
-jpv
