CARMONA, Cavite, Feb. 3 (PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday that the government finally achieved a zero backlog in classrooms with the construction of 66,813 classrooms.
In his speech during the ceremonial turn-over of the 66,813 classrooms at the Carmona National High School here, the Chief Executive said the Department of Education (DepEd) finally achieved its target of zero backlog last December 2013.
“Nang maupo tayo sa puwesto, tumambad sa atin ang nakakalulang kakulangan sa sektor ng edukasyon. Kapos tayo sa libro, silya, at mga guro. Mayroon din tayong—eto na po ang pamosong numero—ng 66,800 na kakulangan sa silid-aralan,” he said.
President Aquino said the government managed to mobilize partnerships with various government agencies, local government units (LGUs), the private sector and foreign donors to help meet the target.
The classrooms, ranging from one-storey structures to multi-floor buildings, were constructed using national and local government funds and donations from the private sectors.
“At ngayong araw nga po, nasaksihan natin ang ceremonial turnover ng 66,813 na bagong classroom, na bumura din sa ipinamanang backlog ng nakaraang administrasyon. Sa totoo lang po, gaya ng ipinangako ni Secretary Armin Luistro, natapos itong ipatayo noon pang Disyembre. Ang bonus pa nga: nalampasan pa natin ang ating target,” the President said.
The President lauded Education Secretary Armin Luistro for his commitment and dedication to provide the basic needs of students such as classrooms, chairs and books, among others.
“Makalipas ang mahigit tatlong taon ng mabuting pamamahala. Ang halos 62 milyon — ulitin ko lang po ‘yan ha — 62 milyong kakulangan sa libro, burado na, 2012 pa. At nakuha po natin ‘yan, mas maganda pa ang presyo kaysa sa dinatnan — mga naitipid natin dito mga 40 porsyento, Brother Armin, kung tama ang tanda ko,” he said.
“Ang dalawa’t kalahating milyong backlog sa upuan, nairaos na rin po. Naggamit pa natin ang mga troso na iligal ang pagkakuha para siguradong wala nang makinabang sa iligal na gawain,” he said.
The President expressed belief that education is the central strategy in reducing poverty and building national competitiveness.
“Ngayong napunuan na ang mga kakulangan ng nakaraan, kompiyansa tayong mas mapapaarangkada pa — hindi lamang ang sektor ng edukasyon — kundi maging ang pag-unlad ng kalakhang lipunan,” he said. (PNA)