Construction has begun on two new educational facilities, Velasco Ibarra and Tiburcio Macías, in Portoviejo. These projects are led by the National Government through the Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture.
After the 2016 earthquake, students and teachers from both institutions spent nearly ten years using temporary classrooms at Miguel Iturralde Educational Unit. Now, permanent infrastructure is being built to provide suitable learning environments.
The plans for both schools were shared with their respective communities to ensure transparency and participation. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to creating safe and modern spaces for education.
Velasco Ibarra Educational Unit will be located in Los Jazmines sector. The project involves an investment of $395,258.71 and will serve 555 students and 42 teachers. The construction includes 15 mobile classrooms, sanitary facilities, water and electrical systems, a perimeter fence, a multi-use sports court, pedestrian areas, among other features.
Esther Jaramillo, principal of Velasco Ibarra Educational Unit, said: “This is a deeply meaningful moment for our institution. It has been years of waiting and effort, but today we see that the perseverance and trust of our community were worth it.”
Tiburcio Macías Educational Unit will be established in El Negrital sector with an investment of $446,939.46 to benefit 890 students. This project includes 24 mobile classrooms as well as spaces for early childhood education, sanitary facilities, perimeter fencing, a multi-use sports court, playgrounds for children, exterior paving work, and maintenance of the electrical system.
Jared Rengifo, president of the Student Council at Tiburcio Macías Educational Unit stated: “Having new spaces motivates us and commits us to make the most of this opportunity.”
Maximiliano Núñez Tomaselli, Zonal Coordinator for Education, Sport and Culture (Zone 4), commented that these developments represent justice and responsibility toward a community that has waited many years. “Today the government of El Nuevo Ecuador fulfills its promises with concrete actions and demonstrates that education is a priority.”
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to addressing long-standing gaps so every child can study in proper conditions.
