Iloilo allocates PHP 125.32 million for school projects

By Mariela Angella Oladive

A total of PHP 125.32 million in Special Education Fund allocations for 25 school infrastructure projects across Iloilo province was released during the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting on Dec. 23.

The funds, approved by the Provincial School Board, will support the construction of classrooms, school buildings and educational facilities in various public elementary and secondary schools to address shortages and improve learning environments.

Among the major beneficiaries is Cadagmayan National High School in Sta. Barbara, which received PHP 8.175 million for a four-classroom building.

Leonora S. Salapantan National High School–Acro Extension in San Miguel was allotted PHP 7 million for a similar facility.

Mina Central School in Mina received PHP 7.2 million, while Don Eugenio Ladrido Memorial Elementary School in Lambunao was granted PHP 7 million.

Other approved projects are spread across Passi City and the municipalities of Dumangas, Pototan, Dueñas, Cabatuan, Calinog, Alimodian, Lambunao, Janiuay, San Joaquin, Tubungan and other areas.

Project costs start at PHP 3 million, depending on scope.

Also included is a PHP 3.3-million covered gymnasium for Martin Cubil Elementary School in Cabatuan.

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the release of checks aligns with the province’s integrated development strategy under Executive Order No. 111, Series of 2025, or 4K for MoRProGRes—Kapayapaan, Kaayusan, at Katatagan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas—which identifies education as a key foundation of long-term peace, order and community development.

“This is neither the first nor the last time,” Defensor said in an interview. “We have been turning over checks since the start of the year. Of the 1,665 classrooms needed in the province, 468 are makeshift classrooms, and these remain our priority.”

The projects will be implemented by the respective local government units in coordination with school authorities, following SEF guidelines.

Earlier this year, the province allocated around PHP 600 million from its SEF for classroom construction and repair.