DPWH Completes P23.6 Million School Building Projects in La Union

LA UNION — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has recently finalized the construction of new school buildings valued at PHP23.6 million in San Fernando City and Sudipen town, La Union, enhancing educational facilities and community resilience against calamities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the completed projects include a two-story, four-classroom building at Catbangen Elementary School in San Fernando City, costing PHP14.9 million, and additional classrooms at Duplas National High School and Duplas Elementary School in Sudipen town, totaling PHP8.7 million. The new building at Catbangen Elementary School not only serves educational purposes but is equipped with facilities such as a stand-alone hand-washing station, comfort rooms, water tanks, and a generator, making it a suitable evacuation center during disasters.

Construction of the Catbangen facility was funded by the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) in 2023 and was completed on March 21, following a start date of July 24, 2023. Meanwhile, the classroom additions in Sudipen, funded by the Department of Education Quick Respond Fund 2023 (DepEd QRF 2023), began construction on January 16 and were completed in the spring, with Duplas Elementary School’s six classrooms finishing on May 14 and Duplas National High School’s four classrooms on April 14.

The new facilities not only aim to meet the growing educational demands but also provide a safe haven for the residents of Barangay Duplas during emergencies, reflecting DPWH’s commitment to building dual-purpose educational infrastructure that supports both learning and community safety.