To address school classroom shortage due to a growing student population, Legarda Dos National High School (LDNHS) constructed two makeshift classrooms to ensure that every child has access to a proper learning environment. The project was built from August 14 to September 5 to provide an equitable education for all.

Over a couple of years, LDNHS has experienced a significant increase in its student population, straining existing school infrastructure. As a result, School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA) embraced the concept of makeshift classrooms as an innovative response to accommodate the rising number of learners.

Hon. Gilbert Ecat, SPTA president expressed his ideal remarks for the successful construction of the project proposal. 

“Isig ka bata, bisan kinsa ug unsa siya, naa siya katungod sa maanindot nga klasrom. (Every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to a quality learning environment),” said Hon. Ecat in an interview. “Responsibilidad natong mga ginikanan through SPTA nga matagaan sila sa ilang panginahanglan para sa tarung edukasyon if dili ka provide ang goberno (Thus, it is our responsibility to address that need if the government cannot provide to give our children an equitable education they deserve),” he added. “Malipayon ko sa maong proyekto aron maka focus ang mga bata sa pagtoon. (I am happy about the project because students can now focus on their studies),” he ended. 

Education is a fundamental human right, yet countless students are denied this right due to circumstances beyond their control. 

According to Maricel Posta, a concerned parent, expressed her views, saying, “I am glad that the school tries to address the issue, but still it is very disappointing to see my child in an improper learning site. I hope they don’t compromise on the quality of education my child receives in this temporary classroom”.

While the project aims to provide a solution to the shortage of classrooms, students are worried about several issues. Bon Bryn Manlaran, Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) president shared his thoughts and concerns about the project.

“Dili na magamit ang amo smart TV kay walay kuryente; wala pud proper sanitation facilities sa lugar (We can no longer use our smart TV due to the absence of electricity; also, no proper sanitation facilities in the area),” expressed Bon Bryn. “Basin pwede mo allocate ug dugang pundo ang SPTA para masulbad ang problema sa mga estudyante (The SPTA may allocate additional funds to address the issues of the learners),” he added. “Kay kin inga mga kakulangon, dili lang maka apekto sa edukasyon sa mga bata kung dili posibling maka daut sad sa ila panlawas ug seguridad (These deficiencies not only hinder the learning process of the students but can possibly imperil their health and safety),” he ended. 

The community, SPTA and the school discussed further the issue to come with a more sustainable solution where makeshift classrooms as innovative response due classroom crunch are nothing more than a distant memory.