ILOILO — The city government has secured P55 million in funding from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to address the growing classroom shortage in public schools. The support comes as enrollment continues to rise, straining existing educational facilities.
A Timely Boost for Public Education
Councilor Miguel Treñas signed the Memorandum of Agreement with PAGCOR, representing the Iloilo City Government. He emphasized that the funding will directly benefit students who need better learning environments. The additional classrooms will help decongest overcrowded schools across the city.
The councilor acknowledged that classroom construction has been a priority since the term of former Mayor Jerry Treñas. The city has been using its Special Education Fund, sourced from a portion of Real Property Tax payments, to build new classrooms. However, the growing number of enrollees requires additional support beyond what the local government can provide alone.
Partnerships Essential to Progress
Treñas stressed that the city government cannot address the classroom backlog on its own. Partnerships with national agencies like PAGCOR are crucial to bridging the gap. He expressed deep gratitude for the support, noting that at the end of the day, the beneficiaries are the children of Iloilo City.
The partnership demonstrates how collaboration between local and national governments can deliver tangible results for communities. By pooling resources, both entities ensure that students have access to safe and conducive learning spaces that support their academic growth.
Addressing the Growing Enrollment Challenge
Each year, the number of students enrolling in Iloilo City's public schools increases. This puts pressure on existing facilities, often leading to overcrowded classrooms and shared learning spaces. The P55-million injection will help construct additional classrooms to accommodate more learners comfortably.
The city has consistently allocated resources to education through the Special Education Fund. However, the demand continues to outpace available funding. The PAGCOR support provides a significant boost, allowing the city to accelerate its classroom construction program and meet the needs of its growing student population.
Gratitude to Partners and Leaders
The city government extended its thanks to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco for approving the funding. Special acknowledgment was also given to Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara for his support of the initiative.
Treñas emphasized that the project would not have been possible without the cooperation of these leaders and agencies. Their commitment to improving educational infrastructure reflects a shared vision of providing every Filipino child with access to quality education, regardless of their circumstances.
Building a Better Future for Students
The new classrooms will provide students with more space to learn, grow, and thrive. Better facilities contribute to improved academic performance and overall well-being. The investment in education infrastructure is an investment in the nation's future workforce and leaders.
As construction moves forward, the city remains committed to finding more ways to support public education. The PAGCOR partnership serves as a model for future collaborations that prioritize the needs of learners. With continued effort and support, Iloilo City moves closer to eliminating the classroom backlog.
