Made in China: Mandaue to buy 35 modular classrooms

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government will buy 35 modular classrooms from China, the type which can withstand typhoon and earthquake, as temporary shelter for displaced classes.

These modular classrooms will be called ‘My House.’

Mandaue City administrator lawyer James Abadia said each modular classroom costs about half million which includes shipping and installation.

In the report submitted by the City Engineering Office, Abadia said the city has identified 63 classrooms which require major repairs. He said the classrooms with gymnasium will be utilized for the modular classrooms.

Of the damaged schools, only seven have gymnasiums.

Partitions will be put up to make four to six classes. If the classrooms won’t be enough, the local government may provide tents.

Benjamin Tiongson, Department of Education (DepEd) administrative officer V, said the classes in different barangays will be clustered as the modular classrooms will be placed in an open space.

Each modular classroom has a size of 7.4x9.2 meters which design includes a comfort room.

The modular classrooms will be built in two weeks time.

Tiongson said the modular classrooms will be placed in three sites in the City. The schools are clustered into districts.

The north district comprises of barangays Opao, Umapad, Paknaan, Labogon, Basak, and Jagobiao; south district comprises of barangays Cabancalan, Banilad, Tipolo, and Subangdaku.

Tiongson said the city government’s plan to put up the modular classrooms is practical as the modular classrooms can be used and transferred several times. (FREEMAN)