24/06/2025
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In a swift response to the urgent classroom shortage in fire-hit and underserved schools, the Iloilo Provincial Government turned over 21 tent-type makeshift classrooms during its flag-raising ceremony today, June 23.
Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. leads the ceremonial turnover of customized makeshift classrooms to three Iloilo public schools facing urgent infrastructure needs.
Receiving the support were Alimodian National Comprehensive High School, which lost 19 classrooms in a recent fire and was allotted 10 units; Ardemil National High School in Ajuy, grappling with severe classroom shortages and given 9 units; and Leonora S. Salapantan National High School Extension in San Miguel, which caters to geographically isolated learners and received 2 units.
The makeshift classrooms are an innovation developed by the Provincial School Board (PSB), under the direction of Governor Defensor.
PSB Secretary Maria Freda Fajardo revealed that the idea came after extensive consultations, site inspections, and planning. Governor Defensor was inspired by the emergency tents used by the Philippine Red Cross and UNICEF, but took it further by customizing the design to fit standard classroom requirements.
Each classroom is modular, weather-resistant, and climate-adapted, built with elevated ceilings, thermal insulation, electric fan mounts, and lighting provisions. These tents were designed by engineers and architects from the Provincial Engineerβs Office and installed by the General Services Office (GSO). The design was field-tested at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds beginning February to assess its durability against wind, rain, and heat.
According to Fajardo, the makeshift classrooms can also function as an evacuation center when needed.
βThe tent classroom will also double as temporary evacuation centers in time of calamity and emergencies,β said Fajardo.
Each recipient school was given a manual for installation and maintenance, and their representatives were briefed on the features of the facility. They were also invited to observe and participate in a actual set-up demonstration and inspection of the classroom tents.
The initiative is part of the Capitolβs Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BES Probins), anchored on the provincial government's commitment to inclusive and resilient education under MoRProGRes Iloilo.
With this initiative, the Iloilo Provincial Government continues to demonstrate its client-focused and impact-driven leadership, offering real-time solutions to education access while reinforcing the resilience of its school communities.
