TACLOBAN CITY – Students of Minuhang Senior High School (SHS) in Barugo, Leyte now have a safer and more conducive place to learn following the completion of a new two-storey, six-classroom academic building by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The project was implemented by the DPWH Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office under District Engineer Leo Edward L. Oppura. The new facility can accommodate around 145 Grade 11 and Grade 12 students, easing congestion and addressing long-standing classroom shortages.
Oppura said each classroom measures seven by nine meters, providing adequate space for interactive and comfortable learning. The building is also equipped with essential amenities, including separate toilets for boys and girls on both floors, a persons-with-disability (PWD)-accessible toilet on the ground floor, a handwashing area, fire safety equipment, and a reliable water supply system to ensure students’ safety and convenience.
Before the construction of the new building, Minuhang SHS students had to share facilities with Minuhang Elementary School due to the lack of their own classrooms.
Ma. Aleja Juana Tiu, teacher at Minuhang Stand-Alone Senior High School, recalled the challenges they faced.
“Because of the shortage of classrooms, we had to use rooms at Minuhang Elementary School so our students could continue their studies since they did not have their own building,” Tiu said in a statement. “The classrooms we were using were not conducive to learning because they were already old and dilapidated. When heavy rains came, the rooms would leak and even flood inside. As a result, the children could not have proper classes.”
She said the new building has brought a significant transformation to the school.
“Now, there has been a big change in our school because we already have a new building where we can accommodate hundreds of students,” Tiu said. “There is truly a huge difference—it is already conducive for learning. I know the children will now have a better environment for their studies. We are very thankful to DPWH for funding and constructing this building.”
The project was funded under the Department of Education Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) with a contract amount of P17.80 million and was undertaken by Astilla Construction & Supply.
With the completion of the facility, Minuhang SHS is now better equipped to deliver quality education, addressing critical infrastructure gaps and providing students with a modern, safe, and supportive learning environment.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
