Expanding School Building Implementers to Close Classroom Gap
MAKATI CITY, Philippines — To accelerate efforts in closing the country’s classroom gap, the Department of Education (DepEd) is promoting more flexibility in engaging various implementing actors in its School Building program. This move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to hasten classroom construction nationwide.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the Department of Education aims to involve local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and private partners as implementers. This approach is intended to better match resources with capable builders, especially in remote and disaster-prone areas where classroom needs are most urgent.
“Nagpasok tayo ng Special Provision on flexibility sa 2026 NEP. Dahil madalas ring tumutugon ang DPWH sa mga kalamidad, nais nating bumuo ng pool ng mas maraming implementing actors upang matiyak na magpapatuloy ang mga proyekto nang walang aberya,” Angara remarked, highlighting the importance of diverse implementers to avoid project delays.
Current Setup and New Roles for Partners
Under the existing system, DepEd allocates the funds while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) handles the actual building of classrooms. However, Angara highlighted that this structure should no longer be the sole option. LGUs can tap into their Special Education Fund (SEF), and the private sector may contribute through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
“Kailangan nating buksan ang pinto para makasali ang LGU, NGO, at iba pang handang tumulong para mapabilis ang pagpapatayo. Ang mahalaga, kung saan may pondo, dapat may marunong at mabilis na tagapagpatayo,” he added, underscoring the need for capable and swift builders wherever funds are available.
Building Smarter to Address Classroom Backlogs
Secretary Angara explained that addressing the classroom backlog requires not only building more classrooms but building smarter. DepEd has developed a classroom master plan that integrates school-level data, demographic trends, and site assessments to pinpoint the most urgent needs.
Budgeting and programming are guided by the Basic Education Facilities Fund and the Quick Response Fund. Once funding is secured, implementers proceed with construction, while DepEd engineers conduct on-site monitoring. Inter-agency validation ensures transparency and quality control throughout the process.
Innovative Flood-Resilient School Designs
To maintain uninterrupted learning in flood-prone and typhoon-affected areas, DepEd is adopting flood-resilient and stilted school designs. These structures feature open ground floors that can serve as classrooms or multipurpose halls during dry periods, with elevated upper floors remaining usable during floods.
In coastal and typhoon-vulnerable regions like the Bicol area, classrooms will be constructed on stilts with reinforced, waterproof concrete roofing to withstand strong winds. This design innovation ensures that education continues despite seasonal challenges.
Supporting Legislative Efforts and Data-Driven Planning
Beyond current projects, DepEd backs the proposed Classroom Building Acceleration Program (CAP) under Senate Bill No. 121. The department recommends basing this measure on a national classroom master plan, clearly defined roles among national agencies, LGUs, and private partners, prioritized focus on high-need areas, and a centralized monitoring system for all school building initiatives.
DepEd is also updating its national classroom master plan using demographic forecasts, a prioritization index, and detailed school-level data. The department is consolidating LGU and public-private partnership projects into a centralized database and is pushing for 2026 budget provisions to allow greater flexibility in assigning implementers.
Unified Action for Inclusive Education
“Kung gusto nating walang batang maiiwan, kailangan kumilos tayong lahat—mula national hanggang lokal, mula gobyerno hanggang pribadong sektor. Sama-sama nating dapat tiyakin na may silid-aralan ang bawat bata, kahit nasa bundok, isla, o baybayin na binabaha,” Angara stressed, calling for collective action across all sectors to ensure every child has access to a classroom.
In line with this, Education Secretary Angara recently led the inauguration of a flood-resilient school building and coordinated relief operations in the flood-hit municipalities of Masantol and Macabebe, Pampanga, reaffirming the government’s commitment to disaster-responsive education infrastructure.
For more news and updates on the Department of Education School Building program, visit Filipinokami.com.
