President Marcos on Wednesday formalized a partnership between the Department of Education (DepEd) and provincial governments to accelerate the construction of classrooms nationwide, saying the initiative seeks to ensure Filipino students learn in safe and decent facilities.

In his speech during the memorandum of agreement signing in Malacañan on Wednesday, Feb. 11, the President cited the scale of the problem confronting the education sector, noting that the country faces a significant backlog in facilities.

“As of December of last year, we have a classroom shortage that amounts to a stunning 145,000 units,” he said.

“Dahil sa kakulangan ng silid-aralan, gumagawa tayo ng ilang shift ng pasok para mga estudyante (Because of the lack of classrooms, we implement multiple shifts for students),” he added, referring to how students have to go to school very early in the morning, while others leave late at night.

Marcos also pointed to cases where students hold classes in makeshift spaces.

“Nandiyan na rin ay mga mag-aaral na nagka-klase sa mga basketball court o kung minsan sa ilalim lang ng puno (There are also students holding classes in basketball courts or sometimes under trees),” he said.

Marcos said the new arrangement restructures responsibilities to expedite the delivery of classrooms by directly involving local governments.

“With this initiative, we can take a big bite out of that gap,” he said.

Under the agreement, DepEd will set technical standards, provide designs, and supply funding, while LGUs will lead procurement and construction.

“So, by giving the LGUs a greater role in the implementation, we streamline the process. We reduce delays and move faster in building schools that our children need,” he said.

According to the Chief Executive, the program is supported by funding in the 2026 national budget, with a first tranche intended to produce thousands of classrooms.

“The first tranche of the nationwide classroom construction program, we have programmed P9.6 billion pesos for this new program,” he said.

“In total, the first tranche will deliver 4,000 new classrooms nationwide,” he added.

Marcos also stressed accountability safeguards, warning against substandard or ghost projects.

“Hindi uubra ‘yan pagka sa LGU… ang tao mismo ang kaharap ninyo (That won’t work with LGUs… because you face the people directly),” he said.

He added that classroom turnover will require written validation from DepEd confirming compliance with standards, underscoring transparency requirements for implementation.

Beyond infrastructure, Marcos cited complementary initiatives supporting teachers and learners. He added that the government is also expanding connectivity and learning recovery programs.

“Tinulungan natin ang mga teacher… nagdagdag tayo ng guro at nagdagdag para mabawasan ang kanilang administrative duty (We helped teachers… we added teachers and staff to reduce their administrative duties),” he said.

“Hangad natin makonekta ang mahigit labing-apat na libong paaralan (We aim to connect more than fourteen thousand schools),” he noted.

Marcos said that improved facilities, connectivity, and support programs form part of efforts to strengthen education outcomes nationwide.

The President reiterated that education will remain at the forefront of the administration’s agenda.

“I have pledged for the remainder of this Administration, we will prioritize — first priority will be education,” he said.

He said closer coordination between national and local governments is key to delivering results for students, teachers, and families across the country.