Iloilo releases PHP 127.41 million for 22 school projects

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo provincial government has released PHP 127.41 million for 22 school infrastructure projects under its 2026 Special Education Fund (SEF) program, with classroom construction receiving the largest share as the province works to address its shortage of public school facilities.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the fund turnover on Thursday, Oct. 29, at the provincial capitol.

The funding will support the construction of 44 classrooms, along with facility repairs, covered courts, coastal protection structures, water system improvements, and solar power installations.

Of the total allocation, PHP 103.39 million will fund classroom and instructional building construction in 15 schools across 14 municipalities.

The largest allocations, at PHP 11.8 million each, will finance the construction of two-story, four-classroom buildings at Tiolas National High School in San Joaquin and San Antonio National High School in Barotac Viejo.

Other major projects include a PHP 8.6 million, two-story, four-classroom building at Leganes Central Elementary School; a PHP 7.7 million, four-classroom building at Cambitu Elementary School in Oton; and a PHP 7.7 million, four-classroom facility for science, technology, and engineering students at Dueñas General Comprehensive High School.

Agmanaphao Elementary School in Mina will receive PHP 7.6 million for a two-unit, two-classroom building, while Sto. Angel Elementary School in San Miguel will get PHP 7.3 million for a one-story, three-classroom building.

Two schools in Janiuay will also benefit, with PHP 5.7 million allocated for Caraudan Elementary School and PHP 6.7 million for Canauillan Elementary School.

Other recipient schools are Binaliuan National High School in Tigbauan, Sulong Elementary School in Alimodian, Nasaka Primary School in Maasin, Jiloca Elementary School in Cabatuan, and Malapaya National High School in Sara.

Kirayan National High School in Miagao will receive PHP 2.75 million for a home economics building, while PHP 1.35 million will fund the roofing rehabilitation of a classroom building at Sitio Aro Primary School in Barangay Igbon, Concepcion.

Another PHP 22.67 million will finance six other school infrastructure projects, including coastal protection, sports facilities, water system improvements, and renewable energy installations.

In Carles, PHP 6.26 million will fund the construction of a seawall at Asluman Elementary School, while PHP 6 million will be used to build a mini gym and stage at Tabugon Integrated School.

Cabatuan will receive PHP 4.35 million for a covered court at Gaub Elementary School and PHP 1.71 million for the completion of the covered court at Wenceslao S. Grio National High School.

A PHP 3.5 million water system improvement project will benefit Fernando Arlos Memorial School and Deogracia Arlos Memorial National High School in Concepcion.

Astorga Elementary School in Badiangan will receive PHP 850,000 for the installation of a solar photovoltaic system to provide renewable energy.

The projects are expected to improve learning conditions and address infrastructure needs that have affected public schools across the province.

Defensor said directly downloading funds to local government units (LGUs) and barangays has proven effective in implementing development projects.

The governor expressed confidence in the capacity of barangay officials to manage the allocations and carry out projects in their respective communities.

“We are doing a good job. That is why we trust our barangays because we know they are capable,” Defensor said.

The latest funding release comes amid a persistent classroom shortage in Iloilo province.

In September 2025, Defensor cited Department of Education (DepEd) data showing a shortage of 1,655 classrooms in the province’s elementary and secondary schools, with another 7,279 classrooms needing major repairs.

The province also urgently needed 468 classrooms, prompting the provincial government to prioritize schools using makeshift learning spaces.

Defensor earlier announced plans to allocate PHP 600 million from the SEF for classroom construction and repairs as part of efforts to address the shortage.

The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BES Probins) program, which prioritizes improved learning facilities, including typhoon-resilient classrooms and the replacement of makeshift learning spaces.

Following the turnover, project recipients attended a technical orientation led by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, with representatives from the provincial legal office, bids and awards committee, and engineering offices.

The orientation covered procurement procedures and project implementation requirements to ensure that construction activities meet prescribed standards and comply with the approved terms of reference and architectural and engineering designs.

“We want to see to it that our project implementation is up to standards and compliant to our terms of reference and detailed architectural and engineering design,” Banias said.

The fund release represents the first batch under the province’s 2026 SEF infrastructure program, which supports the construction, repair, and improvement of public school facilities across Iloilo.