DepEd opens first fully air-conditioned public school in San Pedro, Laguna

The Department of Education (DepEd) has opened the first fully air-conditioned public school building in San Pedro, Laguna. 

DepEd said that Pacita 2 Elementary School' s four-storey building, which has 12 classrooms, is part of its ongoing efforts to upgrade learning spaces nationwide.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said improved classroom conditions can help support student learning, citing studies that link comfort and school environment to academic performance. 

He added that DepEd intends to continue pursuing infrastructure improvements as part of broader efforts to modernize public schools.

Angara also said that the department is working to address the nationwide classroom backlog through various approaches, including faster construction methods, local government partnerships, leasing arrangements, and collaboration with the private sector.

DepEd, meanwhile, is waiting for the final approval of the 2026 national budget.

The Senate version of the General Appropriations Bill includes P85.44 billion for Basic Education Facilities, intended to support classroom construction, repairs, and upgrades.

Angara said sustaining funding levels for infrastructure will be key to improving learning environments, particularly in high-density or under-resourced schools.

The agency has been promoting infrastructure improvements alongside other reform areas, including digitalization initiatives, teacher support, and curriculum refinement.

Local officials and DepEd representatives joined the ribbon-cutting, building marker unveiling, and blessing of the new structure. School administrators said they expect the improved learning conditions to benefit the more than 6,000 students enrolled in Pacita 2 Elementary School. —VAL, GMA Integrated News