Basco: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to start reconstructing the Basco Central School, a heritage school in Batanes, this year. According to a news release on Saturday, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon made the commitment during his visit to the province on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon emphasized the historical significance of the school, which was devastated by a fire in March 2025. He expressed concern over the state of the school, mentioning that it has remained in disrepair for over a year. Dizon assured the local governor, Ronald Aguto Jr., and teachers that reconstruction efforts will commence soon.
The school currently accommodates 635 students in makeshift classrooms, which are unsuitable for effective learning. In response to a nationwide classroom shortage, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed the DPWH to collaborate with the Department of Education (DepEd), led by Secretary Sonny Angara.
On Thursday, Dizon and Angara formalized a memorandum of agreement to implement the Basic Education Facilities Program for Fiscal Year 2026. This partnership aims to accelerate inter-agency efforts to resolve classroom shortages in public schools and to uphold transparency and accountability in these endeavors.
Dizon reiterated the commitment to expedite the reconstruction process, with plans for completion by next year.
