The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Ilocos Region has been granted a budget of PHP167.35 million to repair and rehabilitate classrooms affected by recent weather disturbances. This funding, announced in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, comes from the Quick Response Fund (QRF) of DepEd’s central office, as stated by Darius Nieto, a project development officer for the region, during a recent forum.
Nieto explained that while minor repairs have been managed at the school level with assistance from local government units, the major repairs necessitated by the weather damage will be covered by the QRF. He detailed that 123 classrooms across 73 sites are slated for repair or rehabilitation, and an additional seven classrooms at two sites are set for new construction.
Assistant Director Rhoda Razon of DepEd Ilocos Region highlighted that the major repair projects will involve a comprehensive funding and procurement process. She noted that the engineering department has already begun preparatory activities, including validation at schools most in need of repairs. The pre-procurement process is scheduled to start on December 27, with the aim of posting the project on the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) by December 29. Bids will be accepted starting January 18, 2025, with the goal of awarding a notice to proceed by February, allowing repairs or construction to commence in time for the new school year in June 2025.
Razon expressed hope that the project would proceed according to plan. In response to the disruptions caused by the weather, DepEd Ilocos Region had previously suspended non-curricular and co-curricular school activities to focus on addressing learning gaps. Director Tolentino Aquino emphasized the importance of maximizing the remaining classroom time to ensure effective curriculum delivery, as stated in a memorandum dated November 7.