Iloilo City: Two elementary schools in this city received new school buildings just in time for the start of classes on Monday. Mayor Jerry Tre±as shared that the city government expedited the completion of a four-story, 12-classroom building at Tabucan Elementary School in Mandurriao district and a two-story, 10-classroom building at Baluarte Elementary School in Molo district to ensure they were ready for the school opening.
According to Philippines News Agency, both projects were funded through the Special Education Fund, which is derived from an additional one percent tax on real property. The construction of the building at Tabucan Elementary School began in 2023 and cost PHP60 million. Special Assistant to the Mayor Mathilde Tre±as noted that learners had endured two years without a classroom during the construction phase, resorting to blended learning. Now, they are pleased to return to face-to-face classes.
The Baluarte Elementary School project, valued at PHP36 million, is scheduled for turnover this week, she added. Meanwhile, the Department of Education in Western Visayas (DepEd 6) reported a successful and orderly opening of classes in 2,836 public schools across the region, with no untoward incidents observed.
"We attribute the successful opening of SY 2025-2026 to the parents who entrusted their children to avail quality basic education from our public schools. To our local government units, stakeholders, community, and other government and non-government agencies for providing the necessary support to our schools, especially in ensuring a conducive learning environment," said DepEd VI information officer Hernani Escullar Jr.
Escullar further indicated that as of 5 p.m., 905,494 learners had been recorded in their enrollment quick count, with numbers expected to rise as encoding continues. To ensure safety and order, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas deployed approximately 1,200 personnel in strategic areas, as directed by Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky. Police presence was enhanced through mobile and foot patrols around school vicinities, transport terminals, major thoroughfares, and traffic-heavy areas.
