Iloilo city: Three public schools in Iloilo City celebrated the inauguration of new classroom buildings worth PHP78.5 million, coinciding with the start of the academic year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the inauguration and turnover ceremonies were attended by Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Representative James Ang Jr., whose office played a crucial role in securing these projects in the 2024 General Appropriations Act. San Isidro Elementary School and Iloilo Central Elementary School (ICES) each received a three-story, six-classroom building valued at PHP23.5 million. Meanwhile, Fort San Pedro National High School benefited from a PHP31.5 million investment for a four-story, eight-classroom building.

Rep. Ang emphasized the significance of these projects, stating, "This is the people's money, and we are giving it back to them. Our shared commitment was able to make our dreams a reality. This place is where our dreams are built, futures are shaped, and the hopes of our children are molded."

ICES Principal IV Gracia Malazarte expressed her gratitude for the new infrastructure, highlighting its importance for the safety and education of their 325 Grade 6 students. She also expressed hope for further development, particularly the addition of a laboratory section on the building's fourth floor. "This thing is actually enough for us, but if you could add more in order to make this standard, as it pertains to its ergonomics, I believe the children will have the opportunity to the next level of development and of course performance," she stated.

Rep. Ang's office has facilitated approximately PHP227.3 million worth of school projects for Iloilo province. Each district in Iloilo City received a PHP23.5 million three-story, six-classroom building project. Additionally, the Iloilo National High School in La Paz district was allocated PHP46.8 million to accommodate its larger student population, while PHP31.5 million was designated for the Iloilo City National High School in Molo district.