The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday, Dec. 19, announced its formal partnership with the Land Registration Authority (LRA) to address long-standing issues with untitled properties that often hinder infrastructure projects.

DepEd said this partnership is in line with its efforts to expedite the construction of school buildings and facilities.

“Nakikita natin that the lack of title signifies a lack of security or [a lack of] a secured future because dito nade-delay ang pag-construct ng panibagong classrooms (we see that the lack of title signifies a lack of security or [a lack of] a secured future because it delays the construction of new classrooms),” Angara said during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with LRA.

The partnership, spearheaded by Angara and LRA Administrator Gerardo Panga Sirios, seeks to digitize manually issued land titles under DepEd, marking a crucial step toward resolving the long-standing classroom shortage.

By obtaining land titles, DepEd seeks to remove bureaucratic obstacles, allowing schools to be constructed on legally secured properties without delays.

“Mahalaga at makasaysayan ang araw na ito, especially para sa DepEd. Ang lupa o titulo ng isang eskwelahan, ‘yan ang puso ng komunidad dahil hindi lang doon nag-aaral ang mga bata, doon din nagtitipon-tipon ang barangay [council], [at] ang komunidad (This day is significant and historic, especially for DepEd. The land or title of a school is the heart of the community because it is not only where children study but also where the barangay council and the community gather)," he explained.

LRA Administrator Sirios emphasized the significance of the partnership in protecting assets for future generations.

“This event will help not only the Department of Education in securing its assets but also in securing the future of our youth because with these assets, this is where schools will be located, and through the schools, we can provide quality education to our youth,” he added.