Iloilo City: The local government of Iloilo City is preparing to launch new projects aimed at improving the quality of education in public elementary and high schools through ongoing collaboration with the national government. Mayor Jerry Tre±as announced that he and incoming mayor Raisa Tre±as-Chu will meet with Department of Education (DepEd) central office officials on June 6 to discuss education-related concerns and proposals.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Tre±as highlighted that since assuming office six years ago, most of the funding for elementary and high school buildings has been provided by the city. The city has utilized its Special Education Fund (SEF) to construct schools that are essential for local children. This year, the city government has allocated PHP403.12 million for the construction, repair, rehabilitation, and improvement of school buildings, multi-purpose buildings, early childhood care and development, and school security facilities.

The city government is focusing on building computer, science, and speech laboratories for elementary and secondary schools. Mayor Tre±as emphasized the importance of improving comfort rooms and providing water facilities for the students. He mentioned that if the city no longer needs to fund school buildings, resources can be redirected towards these laboratories to support children's education.

In addition, Mayor Tre±as expressed hope that DepEd would absorb locally-funded teachers into the 16,000 new plantilla positions to be opened this year. The city has already allocated funds for 50 locally-paid teachers this year. If DepEd can absorb these teachers, the funds could be used for other educational projects.

The city government is also keen on sustaining its reading program developed in partnership with the Synergeia Foundation, a non-government organization. The program provides reading materials to learners, aiming to enhance literacy among students.