SAN FERNANDO CITY (September 30, 2020) – The Department of Education Region I (DepEd-RI) continues to implement its program on the repair and upkeep of school buildings, even in the absence of face-to-face classes come School Year 2020-2021.

“The purpose is to improve our learning environment as well as to have a safe, conducive, and nurturing schools,” explained Regional Physical Facilities Section Head Engineer Celso C. Manangan of the Education Support Services Division.

“The schools, classrooms, as well as learning facilities should be preserved even if the learners will undergo home schooling,” he added.

Manangan shared that the year-round school site visitation program is ongoing.

A group of engineers from the DepEd Regional Office I and the 14 Schools Division Offices was organized to ensure that the quality and workmanship of the repair are strictly followed by the contractor and the renovation of the school buildings will be done in accordance with the specifications and program of work.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic is not a hindrance in the implementation of the program which aims to fix dilapidated and flooded schools as well as those school buildings which are susceptible of deterioration.

“Usually, if the DepEd is conducting the repair of school buildings, the said repair includes the roofing down to the windows, doors, and electrical works,” he said.

Meanwhile, Engineer Manangan highlighted that the fund to be used in the renovation of schools will come from the DepEd Central Office thru the Basic Education Facilities Funds alloyed under the Government Appropriations Act.

It will be based on the assessment and cost estimate prepared by the Engineers from the Regional and Division Offices.

By Cesar S. Bucsit, Public Affairs Unit