by Ernesto T. Solidum
Aging folks like myself vividly remember with nostalgia that our public schools once sported only three basic buildings constructed in their tutelage area namely: Main, Home Economics and Industrial Arts. Architectural designs were discreet but imposing and magnificent. They seemed to float amidst a sea of verdant hills and open space. Present were majestic acacia trees, home to numerous birds and creeping animals and the ubiquitous gumamela. Playground served as area for camping, sports, cultural shows and graduation rites.
Young and agile bodies romped freely on well kept lawns, chatted or took merienda under verdant trees and concrete benches. No bottled mineral water or chicken barbeque during those times but water and air naturally fresh and pure nourished us.
Now, half a century later this picture looks pretty much different. The same land area hasn’t change. Yet, almost all vacant spaces including those allotted for vegetable gardening and ornamentals are now gone. In their stead are buildings in various shapes and colors. Low profile buildings such as Bagong Lipunan are indeed low cost but unbearably hot especially during summer. The aged one leaks during rain. Majority of these structures are now dilapidated and fit for rehabilitation or demolition.
Culprit can be population pressure and lack of constructive foresight of DepEd/DPWH officials and leaders at all levels to regulate erection of permanent structures inside school grounds. School enrolment which grow at 2.1 percent per year inevitably triggers more building constructions and other facilities.
Since there is no national policy regarding establishment of two storey buildings and the fact that no fund exist for such undertaking, the only option is for horizontal growth. In progressive urban centers, intermediate pupils and high school students are based in two storey buildings. At first glance, it may be expensive but upon analysis, it is cost effective on account of upgraded land value. Furthermore, DepEd has no policy for the acquisition of school sites by direct purchase. Consistently, over the years it has relied solely on generous donors residing in the area.
To some extent, school sites shrink because of oversight or administrator’s deference to politicians. At Ibajay Elem. School, three unrelated structures namely: Ibajay Waterworks, tennis court and upbeat canteen are thriving without any dissenting public opinion. Kalibo Elem. School ground has been usurped by APSTA Teacher’s Center building. Above facilities although necessary in the interest of public relations are distantly related to education. Therefore, should be bared from school’s premises. APSTA is best located at Prov’l. Capitol grounds since target coverage are teachers in the whole province of Aklan.
Compounding woes in land use planning is growth of secondary schools within the hubris of the primary school system. Currently, there are six (6) Integrated and 58 National High Schools operating under the direct supervision of DepEd. Integrated schools are jointly funded by national government and LGU’s while National High Schools get their budget from national government. Following successful implementation of barangay high schools in early 1980’s they have morphed into its present state. Almost all secondary schools are still based in their mother units thereby scrimping by impulse on remaining open land.
Optimum standard for open spaces in public schools is 40 percent of total land area. Mrs. Edna R. Ayon, Planning Officer II of DepEd Division Office said that “this is illusory.” “Pragmatic approach is always to accommodate new entrants and construct more buildings to the hilt if its necessary.” Average school site is just 1.0 hectares. With prevailing “overloaded” status of campuses, open spaces will most likely disappear two decades from now.
A case in point is the Kalibo Pilot Elem. School (KPES). Established at the turn of the 20th century, it enjoyed singular luxury of space (2.6 has.) An imposing Gabaldon building was constructed, actually one of 377 units in the country. Over the years as part of urbanization, 14 other new buildings/structures have sprung up while four are in the planning stage.
The result: practically only 4,000 sq. m. remain as open space where optimum requirement is 10,400 sq.m. With enrolment of 2,483 pupils and the whole area is swamped with stagnant water during inclement weather, children do not have alternative place except to play indoors.
Mrs. Nenita R. Bicera, Principal II, Kalibo Pilot Elementary School, views shrinking open space with utmost concern. “Although there is a National Heritage Act to conserve historical and cultural landmarks among them the Gabaldon building, yet the whole structure is greatly saddled by defects.” Natural aging and incursion of insects, bats, and rodents have taken a toll on this historic building. Renovation of the building is hindered by meager fund release which frequency is far in between.
DPWH structural engineers must render thorough investigation of the building and recommend measures either for full scale renovation or for demolition. (How about restoration to preserve its historical value?) Mrs. Bicera contends that if funds are available, a two-storey edifice must be constructed near the towering Mabini monument.
Educational thrust can only be effective if a conducive atmosphere of teaching-learning exist in our schools. This include a systematic upgrading of buildings. All schools whether public or private must be child friendly.
Let the 21st century be a challenge for educators and public officials to implement a meaningful and substantive change in the physical environment of schools. Time to act is now. /MP
Young and agile bodies romped freely on well kept lawns, chatted or took merienda under verdant trees and concrete benches. No bottled mineral water or chicken barbeque during those times but water and air naturally fresh and pure nourished us.
Now, half a century later this picture looks pretty much different. The same land area hasn’t change. Yet, almost all vacant spaces including those allotted for vegetable gardening and ornamentals are now gone. In their stead are buildings in various shapes and colors. Low profile buildings such as Bagong Lipunan are indeed low cost but unbearably hot especially during summer. The aged one leaks during rain. Majority of these structures are now dilapidated and fit for rehabilitation or demolition.
Culprit can be population pressure and lack of constructive foresight of DepEd/DPWH officials and leaders at all levels to regulate erection of permanent structures inside school grounds. School enrolment which grow at 2.1 percent per year inevitably triggers more building constructions and other facilities.
Since there is no national policy regarding establishment of two storey buildings and the fact that no fund exist for such undertaking, the only option is for horizontal growth. In progressive urban centers, intermediate pupils and high school students are based in two storey buildings. At first glance, it may be expensive but upon analysis, it is cost effective on account of upgraded land value. Furthermore, DepEd has no policy for the acquisition of school sites by direct purchase. Consistently, over the years it has relied solely on generous donors residing in the area.
To some extent, school sites shrink because of oversight or administrator’s deference to politicians. At Ibajay Elem. School, three unrelated structures namely: Ibajay Waterworks, tennis court and upbeat canteen are thriving without any dissenting public opinion. Kalibo Elem. School ground has been usurped by APSTA Teacher’s Center building. Above facilities although necessary in the interest of public relations are distantly related to education. Therefore, should be bared from school’s premises. APSTA is best located at Prov’l. Capitol grounds since target coverage are teachers in the whole province of Aklan.
Compounding woes in land use planning is growth of secondary schools within the hubris of the primary school system. Currently, there are six (6) Integrated and 58 National High Schools operating under the direct supervision of DepEd. Integrated schools are jointly funded by national government and LGU’s while National High Schools get their budget from national government. Following successful implementation of barangay high schools in early 1980’s they have morphed into its present state. Almost all secondary schools are still based in their mother units thereby scrimping by impulse on remaining open land.
Optimum standard for open spaces in public schools is 40 percent of total land area. Mrs. Edna R. Ayon, Planning Officer II of DepEd Division Office said that “this is illusory.” “Pragmatic approach is always to accommodate new entrants and construct more buildings to the hilt if its necessary.” Average school site is just 1.0 hectares. With prevailing “overloaded” status of campuses, open spaces will most likely disappear two decades from now.
A case in point is the Kalibo Pilot Elem. School (KPES). Established at the turn of the 20th century, it enjoyed singular luxury of space (2.6 has.) An imposing Gabaldon building was constructed, actually one of 377 units in the country. Over the years as part of urbanization, 14 other new buildings/structures have sprung up while four are in the planning stage.
The result: practically only 4,000 sq. m. remain as open space where optimum requirement is 10,400 sq.m. With enrolment of 2,483 pupils and the whole area is swamped with stagnant water during inclement weather, children do not have alternative place except to play indoors.
Mrs. Nenita R. Bicera, Principal II, Kalibo Pilot Elementary School, views shrinking open space with utmost concern. “Although there is a National Heritage Act to conserve historical and cultural landmarks among them the Gabaldon building, yet the whole structure is greatly saddled by defects.” Natural aging and incursion of insects, bats, and rodents have taken a toll on this historic building. Renovation of the building is hindered by meager fund release which frequency is far in between.
DPWH structural engineers must render thorough investigation of the building and recommend measures either for full scale renovation or for demolition. (How about restoration to preserve its historical value?) Mrs. Bicera contends that if funds are available, a two-storey edifice must be constructed near the towering Mabini monument.
Educational thrust can only be effective if a conducive atmosphere of teaching-learning exist in our schools. This include a systematic upgrading of buildings. All schools whether public or private must be child friendly.
Let the 21st century be a challenge for educators and public officials to implement a meaningful and substantive change in the physical environment of schools. Time to act is now. /MP
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