DepEd asks regional offices to submit reports on uncompleted school buildings
Citing transparency, accountability, and the need to ensure safe classrooms for learners, DepEd directed its regional offices to submit reports on uncompleted school buildings. (Manila Bulletin / file photo)
As part of efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in government infrastructure projects, the Department of Education (DepEd) has directed its regional and division offices to submit a consolidated report on uncompleted school buildings before the end of the month.
In a memorandum shared with the media on Friday, September 19, DepEd reminded all regional directors, schools division superintendents, public school district supervisors, division and regional engineers, and project managers of their responsibility to ensure that learners have access to safe and functional classrooms.
The memorandum, dated September 12 and signed by the DepEd Assistant Secretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development, comes in the wake of recent reports on “ghost” or uncompleted school buildings.
DepEd regional offices were instructed to identify irregularities—including prolonged construction stoppages, incomplete delivery, or structural defects—and to coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to reconcile project records.
The validated and consolidated reports, to be submitted to the Education Facilities Division (EFD), will serve as the basis for the DepEd Central Office to pursue corrective action and demand accountability from those responsible.
“The consolidated reports shall be used by the Central Office to pursue corrective action, demand accountability, and ensure learners’ safety in school infrastructure projects,” DepEd said.
This move forms part of DepEd’s broader initiative to tighten oversight of school infrastructure projects amid growing concerns over unfinished classrooms and questionable construction quality nationwide.
DepEd has given regional offices 15 days to submit their reports on uncompleted school buildings.
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