A New Partnership to Strengthen Education Infrastructure
BACOLOD - The Bacolod City Government and the Department of Education (DepEd) have formalized a partnership for the construction of a new 16-classroom building valued at ₱52.5 million at Progreso Village National High School. Mayor Greg Gasataya signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Education Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City, marking what city officials described as the first partnership of its kind in which the national government will download project funds directly to a local government unit for classroom construction. The initiative forms part of the Nationwide Classroom Construction Program, which supports the national government's efforts to strengthen the country's education sector while empowering local governments to implement priority infrastructure projects. Through this collaboration, Bacolod City will oversee the construction while following DepEd's national standards and technical specifications. The agreement demonstrates the growing cooperation between national agencies and local governments in addressing the educational needs of rapidly growing communities. It also reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to quality public education through improved school infrastructure.
Expanding Opportunities for Senior High School Learners
Located within the city's relocation site in Barangay Vista Alegre, Progreso Village National High School currently serves more than 1,000 learners and has experienced increasing demand for additional classroom space. The proposed four-story building with 16 classrooms is expected to accommodate between 350 and 500 more senior high school students, significantly increasing the school's capacity. For several years, many students from the community have needed to travel to schools in Granada, Estefania, and other barangays to attend senior high school because of limited classroom availability. Once completed, the project is expected to allow more students to continue their education closer to home, making daily travel more convenient for both learners and their families. Reduced transportation expenses may also help ease the financial burden on households while encouraging students to remain in school. The expanded facilities will provide a more accessible learning environment for young people living within the relocation community.
Supporting Student Retention and Community Development
Bacolod City Schools Division Superintendent Dennis Develos described the additional classrooms as a timely investment for incoming Grade 11 students who will soon transition from junior high school. According to education officials, increasing classroom capacity can help accommodate future enrollment growth while reducing overcrowding in existing facilities. Improved access to nearby classrooms may also contribute to lower dropout rates by removing one of the barriers faced by students who previously needed to travel farther to attend senior high school. The project supports broader efforts to provide students with a learning environment that is safe, accessible, and conducive to academic success. Investments in school infrastructure not only benefit learners but also strengthen surrounding communities by making educational opportunities more readily available. As the population of the relocation site continues to grow, additional educational facilities will play an important role in supporting long-term community development.
A Collaborative Approach to Building Better Schools
Under the Nationwide Classroom Construction Program, local government units are responsible for implementing the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of classroom facilities within their jurisdictions, including procurement and on-site project management. Meanwhile, the Department of Education identifies priority schools, prepares standard classroom designs, and conducts plan reviews, inspections, and quality assurance to ensure compliance with national safety, accessibility, and construction standards. This collaborative arrangement combines national government funding with local implementation to accelerate the delivery of much-needed school infrastructure. The partnership also highlights the importance of coordination among government agencies in responding to the growing educational needs of communities across the country. For Bacolod City, the new classroom building represents another investment in the future of its students and reinforces the city's continuing efforts to improve public education. As construction moves forward, the project is expected to create more opportunities for learners while helping build a stronger and more inclusive education system for future generations.
