JORDAN, Guimaras — Students of Jordan Central School returned to a campus that now includes a two‑storey, 10‑classroom building designed to keep them safe and learning even through floods and storms. The ₱39‑million project, completed by the DPWH Guimaras District Engineering Office in partnership with the Department of Education, directly addresses the town’s chronic classroom shortage.
A Classroom for Every Learner
The new structure stands on elevated ground, lifting students and teachers above the floodwaters that regularly submerge Barangay Poblacion. Each of the 10 rooms is spacious, well‑lit, and equipped with modern fixtures that make long school days more comfortable. The building also features cubicle‑type comfort rooms on every floor, including a dedicated restroom for persons with disabilities.
Fire safety was a top priority in the design. Automatic fire alarm systems and sprinklers are integrated throughout the building, providing a level of protection rarely seen in public elementary schools. These features give parents peace of mind and allow teachers to focus on instruction rather than worrying about emergencies.
Learning Through the Hardest Weather
Guimaras lies directly in the path of seasonal typhoons, and Jordan Central School has long served as both an educational institution and an evacuation center. The old classrooms, prone to flooding and structural fatigue, often disrupted classes for weeks at a time. The new disaster‑resilient building guarantees that education continues, even when nature rages outside.
The facility’s construction reflects a growing commitment by DPWH and DepEd to integrate climate‑resilient design into every new school project. The walls are reinforced, the drainage is engineered for heavy rainfall, and the elevated foundation ensures that floodwaters do not reach the learning spaces. This means fewer canceled school days and a stable environment where children can thrive.
Closing the Classroom Gap Nationwide
Classroom shortages have been a persistent challenge across the Philippines, especially in island provinces like Guimaras. Jordan Central School’s new building is one of many projects under the Basic Educational Facilities Fund, which pools resources from both agencies to build quality schools faster. The partnership allows DepEd to focus on curriculum and teacher training while DPWH handles engineering and construction.
The building’s completion also relieves pressure on the existing campus infrastructure. With the additional rooms, the school can accommodate its growing enrollment without resorting to split shifts or overcrowded spaces. Students no longer need to study in makeshift classrooms, and teachers finally have the dignity of a proper working environment.
A Boost for the Local Community
Quality education infrastructure has ripple effects beyond the school gate. Families are more likely to stay in Jordan when they know their children have a safe place to learn. The presence of a modern, disaster‑ready facility also raises property values and attracts businesses that serve the school community. In this way, the new building becomes an anchor for the entire barangay’s development.
The project was executed by contractor J.E. Tico Construction Co., Inc. under DPWH’s strict oversight. Every peso of the ₱39.7‑million contract was accounted for, ensuring that the community received exactly what was promised. The success of this project sets a benchmark for future school constructions across Guimaras and beyond.
