Vice Mayor Bucao: Insure school buildings ASAP

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Vice Mayor Alan G. Bucao, who is the chairman of the committee on public order, wants the city government to expedite the insurance of all public school buildings.

Bucao’s call came after eight classrooms of the Candulawan Elementary School caught fire last March 23.

Four hours after the fire, the graduation ceremony went on.

“Insuring school buildings in Talisay City is our defense against misfortunes such as fires and other fortuitous events,” Bucao said.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has an existing budget for insuring school buildings against unforeseen damages, which include aid for the rehabilitation of schools damaged by floods and other natural calamities.

Out P29.976 million from the Special Education Fund (SEF), the P12.512 million goes to the construction and restoration of school buildings in public elementary and high schools.

The expenditures under the capital outlay are as follows: restoration of Gabaldon Building Phase II and the construction of a two-story-four classroom building in Talisay City Central School; construction of a two-story-four classroom building in Lawaan III National High School; construction of a two-storey-four classroom building in Pooc National High School, Mohon Elementary School and San Roque Elementary School; and construction of a fire exit stairway in Lawaan Elementary School.

Other structures include the improvement of the butterfly sanctuary in Jaclupan National High School; improvement of the school stage in Talisay City Science High School; construction of a school drainage in Tabunok Central School; construction of perimeter fence in Maghaway Elementary School and Tabunok National High School.

It also includes the purchase of furniture and fixtures and armchairs in San Isidro Elementary School and Tabunok National High School.  (FREEMAN)