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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH vows faster classroom construction after only 22 of the target 1,700 for 2025 were constructed so far

DPWH vows faster classroom construction after only 22 of the target 1,700 for 2025 were constructed so far

Published Oct 21, 2025 01:52 pm

At A Glance

  • Only 22 of 1,700 classrooms targeted for completion in 2025 have been finished.
  • 822 classrooms are under construction, while 882 projects have yet to start.
  • DPWH vows to fast-track construction and coordinate with DepEd.
  • Senator Bam Aquino warns classroom backlog could reach 200,000 by 2028.
  • Proposals include decentralizing projects and reallocating funds to address shortages.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has pledged to accelerate classroom construction nationwide after reporting that only 22 of the target 1,700 classrooms for 2025 have been completed so far.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency is reviewing internal processes and coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd) to address delays and ensure the timely completion of ongoing and upcoming projects.
During the Senate Committee on Finance hearing for the department’s proposed ₱625.78-billion budget for fiscal year 2026, Dizon admitted that the 15.43 percent completion rate was “unacceptable.”
He noted that 822 classrooms remain under construction while 882 projects have yet to start, underscoring the urgent need to improve project implementation.
Senator Bam Aquino, chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, highlighted the country’s classroom backlog of 146,000, warning it could reach 200,000 by 2028 if construction continues at the current pace.
Aquino proposed decentralizing classroom projects through the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program, allowing local government units (LGUs) and qualified non-government organizations to directly implement construction.
He also suggested redirecting funds initially intended for DPWH flood control projects to help address the growing classroom shortage.
Dizon assured lawmakers that the DPWH is committed to identifying the causes of delays—whether due to funding or procedural issues—and taking steps to fast-track classroom construction in coordination with DepEd.

Related Tags

DPWH classroom construction education backlog Vince Dizon
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