DepEd Considers LGUs Classroom Construction Role
MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) is actively exploring a policy shift to involve local government units (LGUs) in classroom construction. This new approach aims to address the classroom shortage more swiftly by moving away from the traditional reliance on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which has been mired in controversies over anomalous infrastructure projects.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced the possibility of allowing LGUs to directly participate in building classrooms. This initiative is part of an “all-sector” effort to quickly alleviate the urgent need for more learning spaces flagged by various agencies and organizations.
Urgency to Address Classroom Shortages
“Every classroom we add brings hope and opportunity to learners,” Angara emphasized. “But delays in construction mean children wait longer than they should.” He stressed the importance of finding faster and smarter ways to build classrooms by partnering with entities closest to the communities served.
Currently, most school infrastructure projects are funneled through the DPWH, a process Angara described as facing challenges in speed and efficiency. This has prompted DepEd to seek more flexible arrangements under the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act, pending Congress approval, that would enable LGUs and other partners to directly engage in classroom construction.
Senate Support for LGU Involvement
Senator Bam Aquino also raised concerns about construction delays under the DPWH. He has filed a bill authorizing LGUs and private entities to build classrooms while ensuring that funding and support come from the national government. Aquino and fellow senators highlighted the high costs and slow pace of DPWH-led projects compared to faster, more affordable efforts from some non-government organizations.
Balancing Capacity and Support for LGUs
Angara acknowledged that LGUs vary in technical expertise, financial capacity, and government infrastructure. Some units are well-equipped while others require additional support from the national government. To address this, DepEd is considering an accreditation system to match construction responsibilities with LGU readiness.
For low-income LGUs, potential support mechanisms include technical assistance, co-financing arrangements, or clustering strategies to pool resources effectively. Throughout, DepEd’s standards for classroom design, cost ceilings, and technical specifications will remain in place to ensure safety and quality nationwide.
DPWH Remains Part of Flexible Approach
Despite the shift, Angara emphasized that the DPWH will continue to be an option where necessary. This flexible approach aims to combine national oversight with local initiatives, creating a more efficient and responsive system for classroom construction nationwide.
Community members and local leaders have welcomed the discussions, seeing the potential for faster delivery of classrooms and improved educational opportunities for Filipino students.
For more news and updates on classroom construction, visit Filipinokami.com.
