Delayed classrooms leave Urdaneta pupils in makeshift rooms

Teachers, parents, and church leaders in Urdaneta City have raised concerns over the delayed construction of 16 classrooms at San Jose Elementary School, as students continue to hold classes in temporary and uncomfortable learning spaces.

The project, funded with P46 million, was supposed to be completed in October 2025. Constructed began months earlier in February. However, as of January 5, 2026, only about 75 percent of the classrooms have been finished, leaving students to endure makeshift classrooms that are hot, noisy, and not conducive to learning.

School principal Lorena Zamora appealed for understanding and urgency, citing the impact on students.

“Nauunawaan natin ang mga dahilan nila, pero sana maunawaan din nila na nahihirapan na mga bata,” Zamora said.

The contractor explained that construction delays were caused by the recent elections and successive typhoons. The contractor added that the project involved new classroom construction instead of simple repair and rehabilitation, which also contributed to the delay.

The firm requested an 87-day extension from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) until January 23, but admitted that it still cannot finish the entire project by that time.

“Ang mapapangako namin ay makapag-turn over kami ng 3–5 classrooms by January 23, pero ’yung 11, tatapusin pa rin namin,” Engr. John Paul Galvez of Quad-R Building Solutions said.

Church leaders questioned the extended timeline, pointing out the continued shortage of classrooms.

“Five classrooms lang, paano ’yung 11? Kailan n’yo matatapos, next year ulit?” Fr. Alberto Viernes of the Diocese of Urdaneta said.

DPWH warned that penalties will be imposed if the contractor fails to complete the project within the approved extension period.

“Babantayan po natin sila hanggang matapos ang proyekto,” DPWH project inspector, Engr. Raizel Dedicatoria, said.

The classrooms were damaged in July 2023 following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Egay. School officials, parents, and church leaders continue to hope the project will be completed soon so students can return to proper classrooms. —GMA Regional TV