DepEd embarks on large scale classroom construction project

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

  

PAGADIAN CITY - The Department of Education (DepEd) during the 1^st Quarter Regional Social Development Committee  (RSDC) meeting held recently in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, sought the support to its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for School Infrastructure Project II (PSIP-II) or the large-scale classroom project for endorsement to the Regional Development Council (RDC)-IX.

DepEd is embarking on the second phase of its large scale classroom construction through the PPP scheme dubbed “PPP for School Infrastructure Project II.”

This project is one of the department’s key programs that will deliver the needed quality, accessible education facilities for all learners.

William Toralba , Education Supervisor II- DepEd, said the PPP PSIP-II strategy is an approach using the Build-Operate-Transfer scheme in pursuance of Republic Act (RA) 6957 as amended by RA  7718 for the implementation of the PSIP.

Toralba said the PSIP is a nationwide project that will be implemented in 14 regions of the country including Region IX under a “Build-transfer” modality where in the private sector (contractor) will be responsible for the design, construction and financing of the project.

“In turn, the government will make the payment to the proponent upon turnover of the completed school facilities,” Toralba informed.

Toralba said the second phase of the project will involve the construction of 10, 697 classroom packages which includes toilet facilities and school furniture in 5, 167 elementary and secondary schools which have been identified by DepEd.

Toralba gave the breakdown of the number of classrooms and schools by division in Region IX as follows: Dapitan City- 5 school sites, 16 classrooms; Dipolog City-3 school sites, 4 classrooms; Isabela City-4 school sites, 9 classrooms; Pagadian City-with 6 sites, 8 classrooms; Zamboanga City-14 sites, 25 classrooms; Zamboanga Del Norte-124 school sites, 189 classrooms, Zamboanga Del Sur-61 sites, 110 classrooms and Sibugay -69 sites, 110 classrooms which bring to 289 school  sites, 476 classrooms to be constructed in the entire region. (PIA9)