CABANATUAN CITY – Students and faculty of Bicos National High School in Rizal, Nueva Ecija are now benefiting from a newly constructed building that addresses the school’s classroom shortage while providing essential amenities.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) built this 234-square meter facility, which consists of two classrooms and can accommodate about 120 students.
DPWH Nueva Ecija 1st OIC-District Engineer Jun Vana said the one-story structure features a corridor, reinforced concrete gutters, handwashing stations on both sides, a ramp with handrails for Persons with Disabilities, window grilles, parapet walls, and dedicated toilets for each classroom.
“Additionally, the new building also replaces an old structure that had deteriorating floors due to its location on a former fish pond site. We hope that this project, designed with modern amenities and accessibility features, will cultivate both academic excellence and strong character in our students,” Vana stressed.
Meanwhile, Lester Gagarin, one of the class advisers, mentioned that the new classrooms will improve the students’ comfort and learning experience.
“Kumpleto ang facility dahil mayroon itong sariling CR, at saka, ‘yung bintana, napakaganda ng pagpasok ng sariwang hangin, lalo na ngayon na mag-summer. Kailangan na kailangan ng fresh air ng mga bata dahil sobrang init ng kalagayan ng classroom tuwing summer, lalo na dito sa Pilipinas (The facility is complete because it has its own restroom. Also, the windows allow fresh air to flow in, especially now that summer is approaching. The children really need fresh air because the classroom gets extremely hot during summer, especially here in the Philippines),” Gagarin said.
The Department of Education funded the project through its Basic Education Facilities Fund, allocating P4.95 million from the 2024 national budget. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)