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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd, mayors' coalition work to cut delays in classroom construction

DepEd, mayors' coalition work to cut delays in classroom construction

Secretary Sonny Angara urges LGUs to monitor education funds, speed up school building projects

Published Dec 18, 2025 02:45 pm
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara engages Mayors for Good Governance to ensure the transparent and timely delivery of classrooms nationwide. (Photo from DepEd)
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara engages Mayors for Good Governance to ensure the transparent and timely delivery of classrooms nationwide. (Photo from DepEd)
The Department of Education (DepEd), working with local government units, is intensifying efforts to fast-track classroom construction, with Education Secretary Sonny Angara urging mayors to closely monitor education funds and speed up school building projects to address the nation’s worsening classroom shortage.
On Thursday, December 18, Angara called on local governments to strengthen transparency and accountability in the use of education funds and the construction of classrooms. His message aligns with the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) coalition, ahead of major infrastructure projects slated for 2026.
Speaking at a forum with M4GG, Angara highlighted the crucial role of LGUs in implementing DepEd’s ambitious school infrastructure program, which has a P85.4 billion allocation approved by the Senate for the construction and completion of around 24,500 classrooms nationwide.
“Kung malinaw ang bidding, mabilis ang permitting, at mahigpit ang lokal na monitoring, mas mabilis nating maihahatid ang mga silid-aralan sa mga bata (If the bidding is clear, permitting is fast, and local monitoring is strict, we can deliver classrooms to children more quickly),” Angara said, noting that strong local governance can significantly shorten construction timelines and reduce project delays.
Under the multi-track implementation scheme, capable LGUs will directly manage classroom construction using national funds. Projects will also be supported through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), public-private partnerships, and other government partners to ensure faster and more efficient execution.
Angara also emphasized reforms in the Special Education Fund (SEF), sourced from the one percent (1%) real property tax. The SEF can now support early childhood education, feeding programs, literacy initiatives, digital classroom devices, and inclusive education, provided the allocations are data-driven and approved by local school boards.
The initiative reflects DepEd’s commitment to open governance, including expanded auditing, public reporting, and evidence-based planning, as the Marcos administration aims to turn record education budgets into tangible improvements in schools nationwide.
Launched in 2023, M4GG is composed of city and municipal mayors committed to integrity, transparency, and accountability in local governance. Convenors include Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Isabela City, Basilan Mayor Sitti Hataman. 

Related Tags

DepEd DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara DepEd classroom construction Mayors for Good Governance M4GG Special Education Fund SEF
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