Building and Renovating Classrooms in Talugtug

This project involves building a new classroom and renovating an existing space so that more children can continue their education in good conditions in Talugtug.

What is the situation in Talugtug?

Talugtug lies in a rural region of the Philippines, characterised by vast farming areas where the economy rests mainly on rice and maize cultivation, and where some families live in isolation. Nationally, around 18% of the population lives below the poverty line, compared with roughly 13–14% in the province of Nueva Ecija — but this average masks a high level of vulnerability linked to irregular farming incomes.

Although the literacy rate is relatively high (98%), the quality of learning remains uneven, especially in rural areas. Access to primary school is broadly assured. However, schools often suffer from overcrowded classes and a lack of infrastructure. This is a significant problem, found at the national level too, with a shortage of classrooms across the country.

In rural areas like Talugtug, these conditions can undermine the quality of teaching from the very first years of primary school.

Why is support needed?

The centre currently welcomes 30 children in nursery and preschool, in an environment recognised for the quality of its teaching, its caring support, and its educational approach. This quality has earned the strong trust of families, who want their children to be able to continue their schooling within the same establishment.

However, the centre does not have the classrooms it needs to open additional year groups. This creates a break in the children’s education, forcing them to move to other schools that are sometimes less suitable, hard to reach, or overcrowded. What is more, the current facilities cannot absorb the gradual rise in pupil numbers, nor guarantee the best possible learning conditions.

The problem is therefore twofold: a lack of classrooms and suitable spaces, and an inability to meet a growing demand for educational continuity.

Without improved infrastructure, the centre will not be able to meet families’ needs over the long term, nor fully carry out its educational mission for the children of the community.

Building and Renovating Classrooms in Talugtug Philippines — The site where the classrooms will be built

What is the proposed solution?

The solution is to develop the centre’s infrastructure so it can expand and improve learning conditions.

The aim is to welcome 40 new children, bringing the total number of pupils to 70. The project has two parts:

Renovating a room currently used for storage, to turn it into a Year 1 classroom for 20 children
Building a 63m² classroom that can hold 20 pupils in Year 2

Setting up these two classes will provide a functional and safe learning space, including an equipped classroom, toilets, and proper ventilation. Improving the overall learning environment will ensure dignified, safe conditions that support the children’s development.

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What makes this project so effective?

A clearly identified need: a direct request from families and local authorities.
Educational continuity: fewer breaks in schooling, and support over the long term.
A reliable, well-established organisation: the long-standing presence of the Ursuline Sisters and the trust of the local community.
Strong social impact: improved learning conditions, including for children with specific needs.

Who will benefit from this project?

The beneficiaries are the children already in the crèche or preschool, who will be able to use the new Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms in the years ahead — and, from the next school year, those in their final year of preschool.

These new classes will also be open to children from families in the surrounding area.

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