The need to rush up the construction of additional school buildings is gaining momentum in the 1st engineering district of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

District Engr. Francis Antonio Flores told The Chronicle last Wednesday that there are 553 new classrooms which should be completed by June next year, opening of classes with the implementation of the K-12 program of the Department of Education.

He said  the 553 classrooms will be constructed in 169 school sites under the first engineering district.

The construction started last year with 313 classrooms in 98 sites completed while construction is on-going in 21 different sites. Last year’s budget for additional school buildings totaled  P313.4 million.,

For this year, there are 240 new classrooms to be constructed in 50 different sites.

Flores said of the 50 sites, construction is going on at 31 sites while the construction in 19 other sites were differed due to site location. This year’s budget for additional school buildings is P346 million, higher by P33 million as compared to last year.

A check made by The Chronicle showed that a “remarkable” increase in the construction pace was noted during the past few months after Flores and his key officials at DPWH-1 implemented some measures to enhance the working relationship between the DPWH-1 offices and the contractors involved in the projects.

The improved pace initiated by Engr. Flores’ team did not miss the credit of DPWH Regional Director Ador G. Canlas. The performance  rating of DPWH-1 rose to rank no. 7 (from 11th) among 14 engineering districts in the region.

Engr. Vely de Vera, president of the Bohol Contractors Association expressed elation of the improved working relationship between the  DPWH-1 and about 10  contractors who are now working double time to beat the June 9 deadline of these 553 classrooms.

Meanwhile, at DPWH-2 under Engr. Mario Montejo, it was learned that with a budget of P331 million, school buildings in 37 sites were completed  (out of 48)  while six were suspended due to site location and one awaiting soil exploration result.

Asst District Engr. Junibe Froilan told The Chronicle that in second batch budgeted  P16.6 million, technical vocational facilities  and workshop buildings are on going construction while three projects are undergoing  preparation of its program of works.

There was no feedback from the office of Dist, Engr. Aramis Torrefrance of DPWH-3 when sought last week by The Chronicle of the status of their school buiilding construction.