A newly constructed school building is bringing relief to students and teachers at a vocational school in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, who previously struggled with overcrowded classrooms.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed a two-storey, four-classroom building at the Community Vocational High School in Barangay Bayanan 2, as part of the government’s commitment to improve educational facilities in the countryside.

“Previously, some vocational classes had to squeeze into regular classrooms because of space constraints,” said teacher Harold James Tobias. “With this new building, we now have spacious classrooms and workshop areas where students can move around comfortably, unlike before when it was cramped, noisy and hot.”

According to Mindoro Oriental District Engineer Salvador E. Abad, the 23m × 9.5m structure includes a 1.2m embankment to protect against flooding and improve drainage.

DepEd officials say the new facility has improved the learning environment, allowing for more focused teaching and better delivery of vocational education.

The building is expected to benefit hundreds of students by providing them with better spaces to acquire practical skills.