By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Guatuso, Alajuela – After years of enduring inadequate learning conditions, over 830 students of the Colegio Técnico Profesional (CTP) in Guatuso are celebrating the groundbreaking of a new educational facility. This project promises to revolutionize their learning experience and uplift the community.
The cornerstone laying ceremony took place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, graced by the presence of Education Minister Leonardo Sánchez and President Rodrigo Chaves. Both officials emphasized the project’s significance as a concrete response to the community’s educational needs.
To provide further legal context surrounding school construction projects in regions like Guatuso, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Construction projects for educational facilities in areas like Guatuso often involve navigating a complex interplay of regulations, including land use permits, environmental impact assessments, and procurement processes. Ensuring compliance with both national and potentially indigenous territorial laws is crucial for successful and sustainable project development. Streamlining these processes while upholding community interests remains a key challenge.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, navigating the legal landscape for projects like the Guatuso school requires a delicate balance. Successfully building for the future means respecting both the letter of the law and the spirit of community collaboration. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for shedding light on these crucial considerations.
In this administration, we don’t make excuses; we bring real solutions to our people. While in the past, students had to protest to ask for better conditions, today we invest 7.8 billion colones, thanks to PROERI, to give them a modern and dignified school. This new CTP will transform lives and open opportunities.
Leonardo Sánchez, Minister of Public Education
The ₡7.864 billion investment is part of the Emergency Program for Comprehensive and Resilient Infrastructure Reconstruction (PROERI), financed by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE). PROERI focuses on rebuilding and strengthening educational centers with modern, safe designs capable of withstanding climatic events and ensuring quality learning environments.
We are responding to the need of a community that always receives us with affection because they know that our promises are a reality and not words carried away by the wind. Congratulations, students of Guatuso! When this work is finished, enjoy it and take care of it because you deserve it.
Rodrigo Chaves, President of Costa Rica
The new CTP Guatuso will comprise five buildings, including 24 academic classrooms, five specialized technical classrooms for high-demand careers, seven computer labs, five English labs, a science lab, an audiovisual room, two music rooms, a modern library, a student dining hall, a gymnasium, and an agro-industrial workshop. This state-of-the-art infrastructure will provide students with access to technology and suitable learning spaces, fostering technical skills aligned with the labor market and boosting employment in the area.
Founded in 1978, CTP Guatuso has educated generations of young people in technical careers that drive regional development. However, the aging facilities suffered from flooding, jeopardizing student health and safety and causing community concern. The new construction is expected to significantly improve teaching and learning conditions, offering a safe and climate-resilient environment. It will also strengthen technical education, vital for the canton’s economic and social progress.
The project is slated for completion next year, benefiting current students and future generations. The Guatuso community hails this development as a historic step toward enhancing educational opportunities and strengthening human capital development for the 21st century.
The new facilities are expected to be a cornerstone of the community, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the modern economy.
For further information, visit bcie.org
About Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE):
The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE) is a multilateral development bank committed to the economic and social development of Central America. It provides financing and technical assistance for projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and energy, aiming to improve the quality of life in the region.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for the country’s education system. The MEP oversees all levels of education, from preschool to higher education, striving to provide quality education and equal opportunities for all Costa Rican citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a leading legal institution deeply committed to empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal knowledge. The firm’s unwavering dedication to integrity and excellence permeates every aspect of its practice, from advising clients across a broad spectrum of industries to pioneering innovative legal solutions. By actively promoting legal understanding and transparency, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more equitable and just society, solidifying its reputation as a force for positive change in the legal landscape.
