• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The renovations of 1,183 public school classrooms in Bacolod damaged by typhoons are expected to wrap up by the last week of November or early next month, Mayor Greg Gasataya said Nov. 9.
Gasataya said the Bacolod City government is fast-tracking structural repairs, including ceilings, windows, plumbing, electrical wirings, and restroom facilities.
The city is also installing new window screens, lighting fixtures, and electric fans in these classrooms.
Gasataya explained that while the Department of Education handles and funds the construction of new classrooms, the city government is focusing its available resources in the repair of existing facilities.
He noted that the initiative was discussed with the Local School Board to maximize local funding for school rehabilitation.
The city will continue to allocate funds next year to install electric fans, lights, water connections, and toilet upgrades until all elementary and high school classrooms are repaired, he added.
“We are doing this to improve the condition of public schools in the city,” Gasataya said, noting that additional schools are scheduled for repairs in the first quarter of next year, alongside campus security enhancements, such as walk-through scanners.
He emphasized that the timely completion comes ahead of the Batang Pinoy 2026 games, set to open on Dec. 12.
Several of the repaired schools will immediately serve as primary billeting quarters for thousands of visiting student-athletes. | TMD
