The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have formalized a strengthened partnership to accelerate the construction of more than 144,000 classrooms nationwide, aiming to address what officials described as a critical shortage in the country’s basic education infrastructure.
The agreement was signed on Thursday, April 16, through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that establishes a unified framework for planning, designing, and executing school infrastructure projects across the Philippines.
Based on DepEd data, the country is facing a deficit of approximately 144,000 classrooms as of January 2026. The partnership seeks to speed up construction, repair, and rehabilitation of school facilities from kindergarten to senior high school under the Basic Education Facilities Program (BEFP).
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative aligns with the administration’s goal of improving the quality and accessibility of education nationwide.
“Dahil sa malinaw na layunin ni President Bongbong Marcos na palakasin ang edukasyon, pinapabilis natin ang pagpapatayo ng dekalidad na classrooms. Target nating matugunan agad ang kakulangan at masiguro na may ligtas na espasyo para sa bawat mag-aaral,” Angara stated.
The program covers the construction of standard classrooms, technical-vocational laboratories, infrastructure for Last Mile Schools in remote areas, and Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS) designed to support education during disasters and emergencies.
Under the agreement, DepEd will submit a comprehensive school infrastructure master list by May 2026 to identify priority areas and ensure land readiness. The DPWH will handle bidding processes, construction works, and site validation.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the need for faster implementation, citing directives from Malacañang to expedite infrastructure delivery.
“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,” Dizon said.
The MOA also introduces stricter fund release protocols and monitoring systems to improve accountability and prevent delays that have previously hindered school construction projects.
All new school buildings will be designed with disability access features and integrated water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities to ensure inclusivity and compliance with modern standards.