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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Enough is enough: DepEd seeks return of classroom funds in 2026 for faster, cleaner school projects

Enough is enough: DepEd seeks return of classroom funds in 2026 for faster, cleaner school projects

Published Oct 21, 2025 06:49 pm
DepEd seeks to reclaim classroom construction funds from DPWH in 2026 after only 22 classrooms were completed, vowing a faster and more transparent rollout of school projects. (DepEd/Manila Bulletin)
DepEd seeks to reclaim classroom construction funds from DPWH in 2026 after only 22 classrooms were completed, vowing a faster and more transparent rollout of school projects. (DepEd/Manila Bulletin)
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, October 21, renewed its call to regain control of classroom construction funds in 2026, saying it can ensure faster and more transparent delivery of school projects after reporting that only 22 classrooms were built under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) despite full funding.
“Sobra na, tama na! Classroom budget, ibalik sa DepEd sa 2026! (Enough is enough! Return the classroom budget to DepEd by 2026!),” the agency said in a strongly worded statement.
DepEd reiterated its call for the return of classroom construction funds from the DPWH starting in 2026, following what it described as the “unacceptable” pace of project implementation under the previous DPWH leadership.
The department said only 22 classrooms were completed despite the full funding and support it provided.
“Hindi katanggap-tanggap na 22 classrooms lang ang nagawa sa ilalim ng nakaraang pamunuan ng DPWH, sa kabila ng pondong ibinigay at tulong mula sa DepEd (It is unacceptable that only 22 classrooms were built under the previous leadership of the DPWH, despite the funding and support provided by DepEd),” the department said.
Citing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to build 40,000 classrooms by 2028, DepEd said it is pushing for flexibility in project implementation under the 2026 budget.
This would allow the agency to directly fund local government units (LGUs), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Corps of Engineers, and even private sector partners to fast-track construction.

“Tama na ang palusot. Kaya ngayong 2026, pondo para sa classrooms ibibigay ng DepEd sa mga LGU, AFP Corps of Engineers, o sa pribadong sektor (No more excuses. This 2026, the Department of Education will allocate classroom funds to LGUs, the AFP Corps of Engineers, or the private sector),” DepEd said.
DepEd emphasized its commitment to completing projects in a “fast, orderly, and clean” manner, ensuring that classrooms are built efficiently and transparently under the Marcos administration’s education infrastructure program.
The move, DepEd said, aligns with its broader strategy to address classroom shortages nationwide—a problem that continues to hamper access to and the quality of basic education.
“Mula sa inyong DepEd na maaasahan at mapagkakatiwalaan (From your DepEd that is dependable and trustworthy),” the agency said, vowing to deliver on its mandate to provide safe and adequate learning spaces for Filipino students.
RELATED STORY: 
https://mb.com.ph/2025/10/21/deped-pushes-for-flexibility-to-fast-track-classroom-construction-delays

Related Tags

DepEd DPWH classroom construction DepEd 2026 budget school building projects education infrastructure classroom shortage
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