Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
Backlog no more?: DepEd, DPWH team up to address 144,000-classroom shortage nationwide
Philippines
National
Backlog no more?: DepEd, DPWH team up to address 144,000-classroom shortage nationwide
Backlog no more?: DepEd, DPWH team up to address 144,000-classroom shortage nationwide
By Jel Santos
Published Apr 16, 2026 05:45 pm
In a bid to address a backlog of more than 144,000 classrooms, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have strengthened their partnership to speed up classroom construction nationwide.
DepEd reported that as of January 2026, there is a backlog of over 144,000 classrooms across the country.
The two agencies formalized the collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Thursday, April 16, establishing a unified framework for the planning, design, and construction of basic education facilities.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative seeks to fast-track the delivery of classrooms in line with the administration’s push to improve the country’s education system.
“Dahil sa malinaw na layunin ni President Bongbong Marcos na palakasin ang edukasyon, pinapabilis natin ang pagpapatayo ng dekalidad na classrooms (Because of President Bongbong Marcos’ clear goal to strengthen education, we are accelerating the construction of quality classrooms),” he said.
“Target nating matugunan agad ang kakulangan at masiguro na may ligtas na espasyo para sa bawat mag-aaral (We aim to quickly address the shortage and ensure a safe space for every student),” he went on.
According to the agency, the strengthened collaboration is expected to streamline the implementation of the Basic Education Facilities Program (BEFP), which covers the construction, replacement, repair, and rehabilitation of school buildings from kindergarten to senior high school.
“This includes technical vocational laboratories, facilities in Last Mile Schools, and Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS),” DepEd stated.
The coordination between DepEd and DPWH, Angara said, has been further enhanced to ensure that projects are delivered efficiently and aligned with the actual needs of schools.
Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon underscored the urgency of delivering school infrastructure projects, citing the directive of President Marcos to accelerate implementation.
“It’s a testament, I think, to what the President has instructed Sec. Sonny and I to do, which is really to act fast. ’Yon naman ang objective naman nating lahat dito. Bilisan natin (That is our shared objective here. So let’s move faster),” he said.
DepEd said the initiative incorporates disability access features and provides water and sanitation facilities in school buildings to support inclusivity.
Under the agreement, DepEd said it will provide the school infrastructure master list by the end of May 2026 to identify priority areas, ensure site readiness, and secure necessary environmental clearances.
DPWH, for its part, will handle bidding and construction activities, conduct joint site validations, and ensure that all facilities are safe, functional, and compliant with standards.
Likewise, the agencies have put in place a structured fund release system and reporting mechanism to improve transparency and ensure timely completion of projects.