Students at San Jose Elementary School in Urdaneta City continue to hold classes in temporary, crowded spaces as the construction of 16 new classrooms falls behind schedule. The P46 million project, which began in February 2025, was initially slated for completion in October 2025, but as of January 5, 2026, only about 75 percent of the classrooms have been finished.
School principal Lorena Zamora expressed concern over the impact on learning: “Nauunawaan natin ang mga dahilan nila, pero sana maunawaan din nila na nahihirapan na mga bata.”
Students face hot, noisy, and uncomfortable makeshift classrooms, affecting their focus and overall learning experience.
Elections, Typhoons, and New Construction
Contractor Quad-R Building Solutions cited delays due to recent elections, successive typhoons, and the fact that the project involved building entirely new classrooms, not just repairs.
The firm has requested an 87-day extension from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) until January 23, 2026. Even then, only 3–5 classrooms are expected to be turned over by that date, with the remaining 11 still under construction, according to Engr. John Paul Galvez.
Community Voices Concern
Local church leaders and parents voiced frustration over the prolonged timeline.
“Five classrooms lang, paano ’yung 11? Kailan n’yo matatapos, next year ulit?” asked Fr. Alberto Viernesof the Diocese of Urdaneta.
The DPWH assured that penalties will be imposed if the contractor fails to complete the project within the approved extension.
“Babantayan po natin sila hanggang matapos ang proyekto,” said Engr. Raizel Dedicatoria.
The classrooms were damaged in July 2023 by Super Typhoon Egay. The community continues to hope that the project will soon provide students with safe, proper learning spaces.
