BANGA, SOUTH COTABATO — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato continues to strengthen public education through sustained investments in school infrastructure, highlighting the construction of new school buildings and classrooms as a key strategy in providing learners with safer, more functional, and conducive learning environments.
The province’s infrastructure commitment was highlighted during the 2026 Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) hosted by Banga National High School, where Provincial Information Officer Rudy S. Jimenea, speaking on behalf of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., presented the provincial government’s education investments before student journalists from various schools in South Cotabato.
Under the administration of Gov. Tamayo, the Provincial Government has constructed 144 school buildings with a total investment of P183.9 million, expanding the availability of learning spaces for students across the province since 2019.
“The province continues its effort to address classroom shortages and improve school facilities,” Jimenea said.
These infrastructure projects form part of the provincial government’s long-term response to the classroom shortage identified in public schools. By providing additional classrooms and school buildings, the province seeks to ensure that learners have adequate spaces where they can study, participate in school activities, and develop their academic and personal skills.
Governor Tamayo emphasized that investments in education infrastructure are investments in the future of South Cotabato’s young people, particularly those who rely on public schools for access to quality education.
“We continue to invest in classrooms and school facilities because every learning space we build provides our children with a better opportunity to learn, grow, and prepare for their future. Addressing our classroom needs is part of our commitment to ensuring that every learner in South Cotabato has access to an appropriate and conducive learning environment,” Tamayo said.
The province is also pursuing additional classroom construction through partnerships with the national government and the private sector. Among the initiatives presented was the Memorandum of Agreement with Education Secretary Sonny Angara for additional classroom construction, alongside efforts to establish partnerships with private donors to help address remaining infrastructure gaps.
The Provincial Government is likewise standardizing the construction of two- and three-classroom school buildings, allowing infrastructure projects to be implemented through a more systematic and responsive approach based on the needs of schools and communities.
Provincial Engineer Lloyd Esparagosa, CE, GE underscored the importance of ensuring that education infrastructure projects are properly planned and implemented to respond to the actual needs of learners and schools.
“Our responsibility is to make sure that every education infrastructure project is properly planned, appropriately designed, and implemented according to the needs of the community. We want every classroom and school facility to serve its purpose for many years and provide learners with a safe and functional place to learn,” Esparagosa said.
Beyond new construction, the provincial government also provides support for the repair, maintenance, and improvement of existing school facilities. The province has extended direct assistance to 566 public school institutions, including a P37-million allocation for maintenance and other operating requirements, repairs, and other school needs.
With continued construction of classrooms, improvement of existing facilities, and partnerships aimed at addressing remaining infrastructure gaps, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato remains committed to expanding and improving the physical learning environment of its students.
The province’s education infrastructure program reflects the administration’s broader commitment to ensuring that development reaches learners at the school level—because every classroom built is an investment in the education, opportunities, and future of South Cotabato’s children.
