Capitol Plans Multi-Purpose School Buildings Across Cebu

The Cebu Provincial Government is advancing plans to construct modern, “21st Century-ready” school buildings across the province, with funding to come from this year’s Special Education Fund (SEF).

The initiative, led by Governor Pamela Baricuatro, aims to introduce a standardized school building design adaptable to each local government unit (LGU), ensuring consistency while allowing adjustments based on local needs and conditions.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said a concept model has been completed and formally presented to the Department of Education (DepEd)–Cebu Province. 

DepEd officials welcomed the plan, highlighting that the buildings are designed as multi-purpose structures, usable not only for classrooms but also for trainings, seminars, and other academic activities.

“Once ma-approve na ang budget, and ma-identify na ang partner LGU and partner school, then magsugod na ang bidding,” he said.

Each proposed building will be two-storey with four classrooms, rainwater catchment systems, and digital-ready facilities. 

Projected costs range from P11.5 million to P12 million, depending on site-specific requirements and strict adherence to DepEd standards.

Funding will come entirely from the SEF, and LGUs are encouraged to adopt the standard design to maximize resources and speed up implementation. 

Schools must have available land with clear ownership and proper turnover arrangements to qualify for the program.

Empaces stressed that these permanent school buildings are separate from the temporary learning centers (TLCs) the provincial government is deploying in disaster-affected areas.

The project will proceed to construction once the SEF budget is approved, after which partner LGUs and beneficiary schools will be determined, followed by the bidding process. (SBA)