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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd pushes for flexibility to fast-track classroom construction delays

DepEd pushes for flexibility to fast-track classroom construction delays

Agency eyes direct implementation, partnerships with LGUs, AFP, PPPs under 2026 budget

Published Oct 21, 2025 03:55 pm
The Department of Education (DepEd) is seeking flexibility in the 2026 budget to fast-track classroom construction amid DPWH delays, proposing direct implementation and partnerships with LGUs, the AFP, and the private sector to address the classroom backlog. (DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
The Department of Education (DepEd) is seeking flexibility in the 2026 budget to fast-track classroom construction amid DPWH delays, proposing direct implementation and partnerships with LGUs, the AFP, and the private sector to address the classroom backlog. (DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed concern on Tuesday, October 21, over the slow pace of classroom construction this year, citing implementation bottlenecks under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which currently handles all DepEd-funded school building projects.
In a statement released by Media Relations Division Chief Dennis Legaspi, DepEd said DPWH’s heavy workload, delayed validation and costing submissions, and recent leadership changes have caused significant delays, resulting in only 22 classrooms completed so far under the 2025 Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) for new construction.
Despite these setbacks, DepEd emphasized that the delays are temporary and that the agency remains committed to catching up.
From July 2022 to July 2025, DepEd and DPWH completed 22,092 classrooms nationwide, reducing the classroom backlog from around 165,443 to 146,708.
Push for flexibility under 2026 budget
To expedite construction and address the backlog, DepEd is advocating for greater implementation flexibility in the 2026 national budget.
The department is proposing that classroom projects be implemented not only by DPWH but also by DepEd itself, local government units (LGUs), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Engineering Brigades, and through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
DepEd also said it has proposed the inclusion of a special provision on implementation flexibility in the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) as early as the first quarter of 2025.
Transparency and public monitoring
To improve transparency and accountability, DepEd announced plans to launch an online classroom dashboard that will allow the public to track classroom needs and construction progress across the country.
“We will also launch an online classroom dashboard for public tracking of classroom needs and construction progress and host a Classroom Summit on November 20 to strengthen collaboration and transparency,” DepEd said.
The department will convene the Classroom Summit to enhance cooperation among government agencies, local officials, and development partners in addressing the persistent classroom shortage.
Meanwhile, DepEd reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every learner studies in a safe and adequate learning environment, saying the agency “remains focused on catching up and delivering results that directly benefit students and teachers nationwide." 

Related Tags

DepEd Education Secretary Sonny Angara classroom construction DPWH delays 2026 education budget classroom backlog Philippines Classroom Summit 2025
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