Cebu Set to Get More Funds for Repairs of Yolanda-hit Schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) in Cebu Province is set to receive more funds for additional repairs of classrooms in northern Cebu which were damaged by super typhoon Yolanda two years ago, an official said.

Dr. Gerardo Mantos, physical facilities coordinator for the Cebu Provincial Schools Division, said the DepEd Central Office is set to transmit PHP129 million to Cebu Province before the end of the year for additional repairs on Yolanda-affected classrooms.

Mantos said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) is also set to release at least PHP183 million to Cebu to replace 116 classrooms in Bogo City, Daanbantayan, San Remegio and towns in Camotes.

Mantos said they are about to complete the repairs and replacement of all 418 classrooms affected by typhoon Yolanda two years ago.

Mantos said they have spent more than PHP111 million for the repairs which was sourced from the DepEd Central Office.

They also spent PHP235.76 million for the construction of new classrooms for 15 local government units, Mantos said.

But Mantos said the construction and repair of classrooms in Yolanda-affected areas in far-flung island barangays have been slow because of various factors, including the failure of bidding for contracts for new classrooms.

Mantos said that until now, island villages like Barangay Carnaza in Daanbantayan still don’t have replacement or repaired classrooms as some contractors refuse because of the distance of the island from the mainland.

Carnaza is four hours away by boat, Mantos said.

Mantos said contractors don’t bid for such projects because of the high cost of transporting construction materials and sending workers to these areas. (PNA) LAP/EB/SSC