NEDA Board Approves P30.5 Billion for Resilient School Infrastructure Project

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has greenlit a substantial P30.56 billion project dedicated to upgrading school facilities outside Metro Manila that have been affected by calamities. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the resilience of educational infrastructure against future disasters.

Project Overview and Funding

The Infrastructure for Safer and Resilient Schools (ISRS) Project, set to be implemented between 2025 and 2029, aims to repair, rehabilitate, retrofit, and reconstruct school buildings that have sustained damage due to various disasters from 2019 to 2023. The initiative is primarily funded through a P27.50 billion loan from the World Bank-International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with the remaining P3.06 billion being covered by the national government.

Agencies Involved

The project will be jointly executed by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), ensuring that the structures not only meet current educational needs but are also robust enough to withstand future calamities. This collaborative approach between multiple government agencies underscores the comprehensive strategy to enhance educational facilities’ durability and safety.

Expected Impact

The ISRS Project is poised to have a significant impact, with plans to benefit 1,282 schools, affecting 4,756 school buildings and 13,101 classrooms. This extensive renovation will directly benefit 741,038 learners across the country, aiming to minimize disruptions in education during emergency situations and maintain continuous learning environments.

Project Components and Allocation

The funding for the ISRS Project is segmented into several key components:

• Relatively Simple Works for School Infrastructure Recovery and Operations and Maintenance: Allocated P9.65 billion, this segment focuses on straightforward repairs and ongoing maintenance to ensure school facilities are quickly brought back to operational status.
• Relatively Complex Works for School Infrastructure Recovery: With a budget of P19.81 billion, this portion is dedicated to more significant reconstruction efforts that may involve structural overhauls and advanced retrofitting techniques.
• Project Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation: An allocation of P1.1 billion is set aside for overseeing the project’s implementation, ensuring that funds are used effectively and that the project meets its intended goals.

Strategic Importance

This project not only aims to restore damaged facilities but also to fortify them against future disasters, thereby ensuring the functional continuity of the educational system. By focusing on resilience, the initiative addresses the dual needs of immediate recovery and long-term sustainability, which is crucial for minimizing future educational disruptions.

Conclusion

The approval of the ISRS Project by the NEDA Board represents a proactive approach to disaster management and resilience in the educational sector. By investing in robust infrastructure, the government is taking significant steps to safeguard the welfare of its young learners and secure the future of the nation’s educational landscape.