DepEd, DPWH agree to fast-track classroom construction

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have signed a new agreement to accelerate the construction of school buildings nationwide and address a classroom shortage of more than 144,000 units.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon led the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA), which sets a unified framework for planning, design, and construction of basic education facilities.

Under the deal, the two agencies will streamline the implementation of the Basic Education Facilities Program (BEFP), covering the construction, repair, replacement, and rehabilitation of classrooms from kindergarten to senior high school.

This includes technical-vocational laboratories and facilities in geographically isolated “Last Mile Schools.”

“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 said.

(With the President’s clear goal of strengthening education, we are accelerating the construction of quality classrooms. We aim to address the shortage quickly and ensure safe spaces for every learner.)

He added that closer coordination between the two agencies is expected to improve efficiency and ensure that projects are aligned with actual school needs.

“Mas pinalakas din natin ang ugnayan ng DepEd at DPWH… Tinitiyak nating bawat proyekto ay mabilis, maayos, at nakatutok sa tunay na pangangailangan,” Angara said.

(We have strengthened coordination between DepEd and DPWH… We are ensuring that projects are fast, orderly, and responsive to real needs.)

For his part, Dizon underscored the directive to expedite implementation.

“It's a testament… To act fast… Bilisan natin,” he said.

(This reflects the directive to act fast… We need to speed things up.)

The agreement assigned the DepEd the task of identifying priority schools, ensuring site readiness, and securing permits, while the DPWH will handle procurement, construction, and compliance with safety standards.

Funding will be released in tranches tied to project progress, while the DPWH is required to submit regular reports to ensure transparency and accountability.

The program also includes provisions for inclusive infrastructure, such as disability access features and water and sanitation facilities to improve overall learning conditions.

Officials said the strengthened partnership is expected to speed up project delivery while maintaining oversight, as the government works to close the country’s classroom gap. — JMA, GMA News