New School Buildings Inaugurated in Two Towns Under Last Mile School Program

Leyte – In Leyte, the Department of Education (DepEd) officially handed over new school buildings to Himokilan Elementary School in Hindang and San Miguelay Elementary School in Sta. Fe.

According to Philippines News Agency, responsible for the School Infrastructure and Facilities (SIF), the ceremonial turnover took place on Thursday, with Leyte DepEd School Division Superintendent Mariza Magan in attendance.

The construction of these buildings is part of the Last Mile School Program initiated by DepEd, aimed at reducing resource and facility gaps in geographically isolated and disadvantaged schools. The new facility in Sta. Fe, which cost PHP13,379.302.42, includes two classrooms, two comfort rooms, and is equipped with 40 solar panels. San Miguelay Elementary School serves 74 students from kindergarten to Grade 6.

During the event, Undersecretary Densing highlighted the importance of these constructions as symbols of hope in addressing the educational crisis in the Philippines. He stressed the need for community involvement, alongside government efforts, to overcome this challenge. Despite the ongoing construction of school buildings, Densing pointed out that the effort alone is insufficient to meet the needs of the growing student population, with DepEd reporting a shortage of 165,000 classrooms nationwide.

The inauguration of these schools in Leyte is part of a broader initiative involving the simultaneous turnover of nine school buildings across Southern Leyte, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes provinces.