ARMM starts repair, rehab of 612 classrooms in public schools

MARAWI CITY, (PIA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has started repairing and rehabilitating 612 classrooms both in public elementary and secondary schools across the region before classes begin in June.

ARMM's Education Department (DepEd-ARMM) Assistant Secretary Alfhadar Pajiji noted that P130 million will be used to repair and rehabilitate school buildings.

“The project is intended for major repairs while minor repairs which include painting and cleaning of classrooms will be done during the Brigada Eskwela in May," Pajiji said. 

Of the amount, Lanao del Sur received the highest allocation for the repair and rehabilitation of school buildings. 

Based on official DepEd-ARMM data, the number of classrooms that need rehabilitation and repair are Lanao del Sur with 214; Marawi City, 31; Maguindanao, 158; Lamitan City, 41; Basilan, 32; Sulu, 106; and Tawi-Tawi, 30.

Pajiji said DepEd-ARMM has signed a memorandum of agreement with the region’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the implementation of the projects under the supervision of the district engineers in each province.

To date, there are 2,155 elementary schools and 304 secondary schools in the region.

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, meanwhile assured that the students can use the newly rehabilitated classrooms in June, noting that the department will provide a safe and healthy environment for learners and teachers.

Last April 9, volunteers across the region started the second batch of Brigada Eskwela in Marawi City was ended last April 14. 

The first batch of Brigada Eskwela conducted in December last year brought together volunteers from various DepEd offices across the country.

Atty. Mitmug said schools outside ‘ground zero’ in Marawi City can be used by the students before public schools begin classes. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)