Several schools in the first district of Negros Oriental are holding classes in tents and makeshift rooms as the buildings damaged by the earthquake in February this year remain unfixed.

Negros Oriental Department of Education assistant division superintendent Dexter Aguilar said they are monitoring schools holding classes in makeshift rooms, especially with the start of the rainy season.

Aguilar said the whole of Danao Elementary School in Bindoy town has been abandoned after huge cracks were noticed and the buildings were declared dangerous.

Bindoy Mayor Valente Yap has identified a one-hectare lot for the construction of the new school building, but this will need a big amount.

About P117 million in Quick Response Fund was allocated for the construction and repair of school buildings, particularly in the first district.

Aguilar said P70 million will be for the construction of new school buildings, and the remaining P47 million for repairs and rehabilitation.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation also donated P35 million for the repair, rehabilitation and construction of new school buildings, he added.

The construction and repair are expected to start this month after all documents are completed and submitted to the winning bidder.*MA

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