DARAGA, Albay — More than 160 learners, teachers and school personnel at Burgos Elementary School now have a safer and more comfortable place to learn after a new school building was formally turned over and blessed on September 25.
The new facility replaces classrooms that were destroyed by fire, helping address the shortage that had forced Grade 1 and Grade 4 pupils to use limited learning spaces. School officials said the additional classrooms will provide students with a more suitable environment for studying while reducing disruptions caused by weather and roadside noise.
Two New Classrooms Replace Makeshift Learning Spaces
Burgos Elementary School Principal Lilian Bolo described the new building as an important development for the school’s learners, particularly those who had been displaced because of insufficient classroom space.
The project provides two standard-compliant instructional rooms, eliminating the need for makeshift classrooms and giving pupils dedicated spaces for their lessons.
According to Richard De Jesus, public information officer of the Department of Public Works and Highways 2nd District Engineering Office, the facility was designed to provide safe and functional spaces that can support a more conducive learning environment.
Built With Bicol’s Weather Challenges in Mind
The new facility is also designed with the region’s environmental conditions in consideration.
Officials said the classroom windows are designed to reduce excessive heat during school hours, particularly during El Niño, while the structure is intended to provide greater resilience during heavy rains and typhoons.
The improvements are expected to help reduce weather-related disruptions to classes while giving students a more secure learning environment.
Accessibility and Basic Facilities Included
The new school building measures 22.5 meters by 9.5 meters and includes several features intended to improve accessibility and sanitation.
These include a PWD-friendly ramp, toilet facilities and handwashing facilities, alongside the two instructional rooms.
The project was funded through the Department of Education’s Basic Education Facilities program.
A Fresh Start After Classroom Fire
For Burgos Elementary School, the turnover represents more than the completion of another government infrastructure project.
The new building restores classroom capacity after fire damaged the school’s previous learning spaces and gives students a more stable setting for their education.
With more than 160 learners, teachers and non-teaching personnel relying on the school, the additional rooms are expected to ease classroom shortages and improve day-to-day learning conditions.
The project also highlights how school infrastructure in disaster-prone areas can serve a dual purpose: providing better learning spaces while strengthening schools against the weather challenges that can interrupt education.
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
