43,183 new classrooms eyed this year, says Palace

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday said at least 43,183 new classrooms will be built in 2014 to address the increasing number of students and for the implementation of the K-to-12 program.

“Ayon sa pahayag ng DepEd (Department of Education), magtatayo ng 43,183 bagong silid-aralan sa taong ito upang tukuyin ang pagdami ng mga mag-aaral, at upang paghandaan ang ganap na pagpapatupad ng K-to-12 senior high school program,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Sunday over the radio.

(According to the DepEd’s statement, 43,183 classrooms will be built this yearto address the increase in students, and as preparation for the full implementation of the K-to-12 senior high school program.)

Coloma said the agency will also have 9,502 classrooms repaired. The number does not include facilities damaged by Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan).

With a budget of P335.4 billion this year, the DepEd is seeking to purchase 1.59 million additional chairs and to construct 213 library hubs.

The Secretary assured the public that 33,194 teachers and 1,500 school employees will also be hired. He said this is in preparation for the first batch of junior high school students under the K-to-12 program.

More than 26 million elementary and high school students are expected to attend classes this June, in addition to the 4 million students enrolled in college.

Coloma said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has already been reminded to ensure the safety of the students during the first day of classes on June 2.

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