The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday, December 12, announced the unveiling of the first fully air-conditioned public school building in San Pedro City, marking a key milestone in the Marcos administration’s drive to modernize basic education infrastructure across the country.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara led the inauguration of the newly built four-storey, 12-classroom facility at Pacita 2 Elementary School, the first structure of its kind in the Schools Division of San Pedro.

The department said the building is expected to benefit more than 800 learners, providing a more conducive and comfortable learning environment for both students and teachers.

“May mga scientific study na mas komportable ang mga learning environment, mas mataas ang score ng mga bata (There are scientific studies showing that when learning environments are more comfortable, children achieve higher scores),” Angara said. “Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa modernized schools dito (That’s why we are grateful for the modernized schools here),” he added.

Angara emphasized that the project reflects the administration’s commitment to improving public school conditions nationwide, noting that modern, well-designed classrooms play a crucial role in enhancing student performance.

“Pangitain po ito na (This is a sign that) we are doing the right thing, we are on the right track,” he added, highlighting that the development reflects DepEd’s intended direction nationwide.

Laguna 1st District Representative Ann Matibag lauded Angara’s leadership, noting that coordination with DepEd has become more efficient and productive since he assumed office.

Angara also highlighted DepEd’s ongoing initiatives to close the nationwide classroom gap, including faster and more flexible construction arrangements such as leasing, LGU partnerships, and private-sector collaboration.

He expressed optimism that Congress will sustain higher funding for basic education, particularly for infrastructure development.

“Sana sa bicam (bicameral committee conference) tuloy-tuloy. Kahit gusto nilang itaas ulit, tatanggapin po natin (Hopefully in the bicam it will continue. Even if they want to raise it again, we will accept it),” Angara said.

Under the Senate version of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), DepEd is set to receive P85.44 billion for Basic Education Facilities—an allocation aimed at accelerating the construction, repair, and modernization of classrooms nationwide.

Local officials and DepEd representatives joined the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, building marker unveiling, and blessing of the new facility.

Stakeholders expressed hope that the air-conditioned classrooms will encourage better learning outcomes and help bridge long-standing gaps in public education infrastructure.

DepEd said the newly inaugurated building expands Pacita 2 Elementary School’s capacity to accommodate more learners in a modern, comfortable environment—an achievement officials say aligns with the government’s long-term vision for quality and inclusive basic education.

DepEd inaugurates the first fully air-conditioned public school building in San Pedro City, highlighting the Marcos administration’s push for modern, improved learning spaces.