With a total budgetary requirement of P 673,071,654.70, the Phase II of the Proposed Public-Private-Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) of the Department of Education (DepEd) aims to benefit 353 elementary and secondary schools in the region.

Through a “Build-Transfer” scheme, 134 secondary and 413 elementary classroom packages (including toilet facilities and school furniture) are estimated to be constructed. The beneficiary schools which have critical classroom shortages are identified by DepEd’s Basic Education Information System and are validated by the agency’s Physical Facilities Coordinators.

According to Dr. Basilio Bacuyag of DepEd Region 02, the listing of Schools could change since there are cases that a school has no longer available space to accomodate the construction of new classrooms. He also shared that while maintenance of existing water works will be shouldered by the contractor, DepEd has a fund allocation for those that do not have existing water supply and source.

PSR Constancio Silva aired concern for local furniture makers, citing their being disadvantaged if DepEd will contract out the project’s needs of furniture to only one contractor. For this, Mr. Silva likewise recommended the conduct of a consultative forum for local furniture manufacturers which was agreed to by DepEd.

The involvement of the Local Government Units (LGUs) in terms of maintenance activities and funding has also been examined and suggested to enable proactive participation of LGUs. Likewise, tapping of newly registered Civil Engineers of the universities in technical works was also advised to generate employment among the fresh graduates as well as provide an avenue for their learning process.

The PSIP II was confirmed by the National Economic and Development Authority Board chaired by President Aquino last November 29, 2012 and Region 02 was among the 14 regions to implement said project with the endorsement of the Regional Development Council 2.