DepEd, LGUs sign MOA to fast-track classroom construction

The Department of Education (DepEd) has finalized a new memorandum of agreement (MOA) with local government units (LGUs) to accelerate the construction, repair, and improvement of public school classrooms under the 2026 national budget.

“Mas mabilis kaming makakakilos kapag katuwang ang LGU, dahil sila ang mas nakakaalam kung alin ang pinaka-kailangan ng kanilang mga paaralan,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

(We can move faster when LGUs are our partners because they know best which schools need assistance the most.)

“Ginagawa natin itong malinaw at maayos kasama ang mga liga ng LGU para siguradong ang pondo ay mabilis na nagiging silid-aralan para sa mga bata at guro,” he added.

(We are making this clear and orderly with LGU leagues to ensure that funds are quickly turned into classrooms for learners and teachers.)

The MOA is anchored on provisions of the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which authorize DepEd to partner with qualified LGUs for the delivery of basic education facilities.

Angara said DepEd is coordinating with major LGU associations, including the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, the League of Provinces of the Philippines, and the League of Cities of the Philippines, to finalize implementation details and ensure alignment on standards, processes, and timelines for classroom delivery.

Under the agreement, LGUs may serve as implementing partners using various modalities, including their regular procurement processes and different funding mixes drawn from national allocations, the national tax allotment, and special education funds.

The MOA covers new classroom construction, repairs, and other learning space improvements.

DepEd will provide standardized classroom designs, technical frameworks, and project oversight to ensure compliance with minimum performance standards, specifications, and government auditing rules.

The agreement also defines the roles and responsibilities of DepEd and participating LGUs, including project scope, funding arrangements, timelines, and monitoring mechanisms.

Safeguards are included to ensure transparency, proper use of public funds, and corrective action when standards are not met.

Angara said the MOA is expected to help fast-track classroom delivery as the government works to address the country’s estimated 165,000-classroom shortage. —VAL, GMA Integrated News