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DepEd eyes LGU role in classroom construction to address shortages
Philippines
National
DepEd eyes LGU role in classroom construction to address shortages
DepEd eyes LGU role in classroom construction to address shortages
Published Sep 3, 2025 02:13 pm
The Department of Education (DepEd) is considering a historic shift to let local government units (LGUs) directly handle classroom construction, aiming to speed up school infrastructure delivery and address the persistent classroom shortage in the Philippines. (DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Wednesday, September 2, that it is studying a historic policy shift that would allow local government units (LGUs) to directly participate in classroom construction—marking a potential departure from the long-standing reliance on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the move aims to speed up the delivery of school infrastructure and address the country’s persistent classroom backlog.
“Every classroom we add brings hope and opportunity to learners. But delays in construction mean children wait longer than they should,” Angara said. “That is why we are looking for ways to build faster and smarter, with partners who are closest to the ground,” he added.
Expanding options beyond DPWH
Currently, most school building projects are handled by the DPWH, but bottlenecks in implementation have slowed progress.
To address this, DepEd said it is seeking flexibility in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) so that LGUs and other partners can take on classroom construction, subject to Congress’ approval.
DepEd acknowledged that not all LGUs have the same capacity. Some have the technical expertise, financial resources, and governance systems to deliver projects faster, while others may require additional support.
To address disparities, DepEd proposed several mechanisms, including: an accreditation system to match responsibilities with readiness; technical assistance and co-financing for low-income LGUs; and clustering arrangements to pool resources among neighboring areas.
The agency also assured that standardized classroom designs, cost ceilings, and technical specifications will remain in place to ensure quality and safety nationwide.
DPWH will continue to be engaged where needed, making the approach more flexible and localized, DepEd said.
Building on reform momentum
Since taking office in July 2024, Angara has secured more than P458 million in private sector commitments, expected to fund at least 84 new classrooms and several facility upgrades.
He emphasized that community support and private partnerships demonstrate strong public willingness to help solve the classroom crisis.
“Our partners in local governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector have shown they want to be part of the solution,” Angara said. “What we hope to do is create the space for their contributions to make a bigger impact,” he added.
Collaboration toward ending shortages
DepEd stressed that solving the classroom shortage requires collaboration across government levels and sectors.
“Our goal is simple: every Filipino child deserves a safe and decent classroom,” Angara said. “We may not get there overnight, but by working together and exploring new ways forward, we can move closer to that future,” he added.