The Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) delivered the new buildings of the Moisés Castillo Ocaña (MCO) school in La Chorrera, Panama West province, ten years after the start of the remodeling and expansion works. The project, which included design, drafting, construction, and comprehensive remodeling, cost over 19 million dollars. The new facilities feature 15 theoretical classrooms and seven specialized labs, benefiting the 2,600 middle and high school students enrolled. The delivery coincided with a teachers' protest demanding the use of the new spaces for the start of the 2026 school year. Rufino Rodríguez, regional director of MEDUCA, stated the project's cost exceeded the initial 13-million-dollar budget. Teacher Pedro Ávila said that over ten years, several education ministers failed to deliver on their promises, compounded by construction companies abandoning the project and continuous amendments. Rodríguez expressed understanding for the 156 MCO teachers' concerns due to unfulfilled promises from past administrations. He added that the school has the occupancy permit from the Fire Corps of the Republic of Panama. Maintenance will be funded by the Equity and Quality Education Fund (FECE), which the school's administration has not utilized for years. The project includes a music building, cafeteria, parking, perimeter fence, ramps, shelters, and water system improvements.
