City governments across the country on Monday, February 23, formally joined the national government’s push to accelerate classroom construction, signing a landmark agreement aimed at addressing the Philippines’ estimated 165,000 classroom shortage and improving learning conditions for millions of students.

In a statement, the Department of Education (DepEd) said city mayors from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at Malacañang Palace as part of their commitment to fast-track permits, identify priority schools, and support the construction of safe, modern classrooms in their communities.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who witnessed the signing, thanked local government units (LGUs) for supporting the administration’s education agenda and urged them to ensure projects are completed efficiently and transparently.

The agreement marks the first time cities nationwide have formally committed to a unified and coordinated plan with DepEd to accelerate classroom construction, the agency said.

It builds on an earlier partnership with provincial governments as part of a broader national strategy to close the classroom gap, DepEd added.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the partnership with cities is a major step toward delivering classrooms faster, noting that local governments are best positioned to identify urgent needs.

“Malaking hakbang ito upang mas mapabilis ang pagpapatayo ng mga silid-aralan (This is a big step toward speeding up the construction of classrooms),” Angara said.

“Alam ng ating mga lungsod kung saan pinakakailangan ang mga classroom, at sa pagtutulungan natin, mas mabibigyan natin ng ligtas at maayos na lugar ang ating mga mag-aaral at guro (Our cities know where classrooms are most needed, and through our cooperation, we can provide our students and teachers with safer and better learning spaces),” he added.

Angara also pushed for flexibility provisions in the 2026 national budget to help streamline classroom construction and allow faster implementation.

The Marcos administration has allocated P85 billion in 2026 for the construction and rehabilitation of basic education facilities, underscoring its commitment to improving school infrastructure.

DepEd is also exploring alternative approaches such as public-private partnerships and leasing arrangements to accelerate classroom delivery and enhance learning environments.

Local governments are likewise encouraged to establish Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS) to ensure uninterrupted classes while construction is ongoing or during disasters and emergencies.

DepEd said the nationwide partnership empowers cities to take direct action in addressing classroom shortages, reducing overcrowding, and providing learners and teachers with safer, more conducive spaces.

The agreement signing was witnessed by teachers and students who are expected to directly benefit from faster classroom construction and improved school facilities.