COTABATO CITY — The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Wednesday started repairs and rehabilitation of 612 classrooms in both public elementary and secondary schools across the region before classes begin in June this year.
Department of Education (DepEd)–ARMM Assistant Secretary Alfhadar Pajiji said that the regional government has allotted PHP130 – million for the undertaking. Though failing to cite figures, he noted that Lanao del Sur got the biggest slice of the budget as the province reels off from the devastation wrought by Maute and Abu Sayyaf terror groups in Marawi City and nearby towns for five months last year.
“The projects are intended for major repairs while minor repairs including painting and cleaning of classrooms will be done during the Brigada Eskwela, which will start in May,” Pajiji said.
DepEd-ARMM data listed the number of classrooms that need rehabilitation and repair as follows: Maguindanao – 158; Marawi City – 31; Lanao del Sur – 214; Lamitan City – 41; Basilan – 32; Sulu – 106; and Tawi-Tawi – 30.
The DepEd-ARMM and the region’s Department of Public Works and Highways have signed a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the project, with the respective district engineers in each province supervising the tasks.
To date, there are 2,155 elementary schools and 304 secondary schools in the region. The ARMM is composed of nine schools divisions, namely Maguindanao I and II, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur I and II, Lamitan City, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
Lawyer Rasol Mitmug Jr., DepEd-ARMM secretary, has assured that students could use the newly rehabilitated classrooms in time for the June school opening.
He stressed that the students can use schools outside Marawi’s “ground zero” before public schools begin its classes.
On April 9, volunteers across the region started the second batch of Brigada Eskwela in Marawi City to end on April 14. The department conducted the first batch of Brigada Eskwela in the city in December last year, which brought together volunteers from various DepEd offices across the country.
Brigada Eskwela is a periodic activity that brings together parents, teachers and other education stakeholders to prepare public schools across the country for yearly school opening. (Noel Punzalan/PNA)
