Expanding Flexibility in School Building Program
MAKATI CITY, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is ramping up efforts to close the classroom gap faster by introducing more flexibility in its School Building program. This move aims to involve a wider range of implementing actors, including local government units (LGUs) and private partners, as outlined in the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP), officials reported.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the importance of tapping LGUs, non-government organizations, and private entities as implementers. This strategy is designed to align resources with capable builders, especially in remote and disaster-prone areas where new classrooms are urgently needed.
“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 said, highlighting the need for a broader pool of implementers to ensure uninterrupted progress.
Current Setup and Proposed Changes
Currently, DepEd allocates funding while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) handles construction. However, Angara stressed that this model should no longer be the sole approach. LGUs can utilize their Special Education Fund (SEF), and the private sector can contribute through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), expanding the pool of builders ready to respond swiftly.
“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,” Angara remarked, underscoring the urgency of engaging all willing partners.
Building Smarter to Address Classroom Backlog
Addressing the classroom backlog requires more than just increasing numbers; it demands smarter construction strategies. DepEd has developed a comprehensive classroom master plan that integrates school-level data, demographic trends, and site evaluations to identify priority areas.
Funding is programmed and budgeted through the Basic Education Facilities Fund and Quick Response Fund. Once financial support is secured, designated implementers commence construction, while DepEd engineers continuously monitor progress on-site. Inter-agency validation ensures transparency and quality control throughout the process.
Innovative Flood-Resilient Designs
Recognizing the impact of seasonal floods and typhoons, DepEd is adopting flood-resilient and elevated school designs. These structures feature open ground floors serving as classrooms or multipurpose halls during dry periods, with elevated upper floors remaining functional during floods.
In coastal and typhoon-prone regions such as Bicol, classrooms will be built on stilts with reinforced, waterproof concrete roofing designed to withstand strong winds. This approach ensures uninterrupted learning despite adverse weather conditions.
Supporting Legislative Measures and National Coordination
Beyond ongoing projects, DepEd supports the proposed Classroom Building Acceleration Program (CAP) outlined in Senate Bill No. 121. The department recommends anchoring this initiative on a national classroom master plan, clearly defining roles among national agencies, LGUs, and private partners.
Targeted prioritization of high-need areas and centralized monitoring of all school building activities are also key components. DepEd is updating its national master plan using demographic forecasts and school-level data, consolidating LGU and PPP projects into a unified database.
Efforts are underway to secure 2026 budget provisions that allow greater flexibility in assigning implementers, enabling faster and more efficient classroom construction.
Unified Call for Action
“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 said, calling for collective action across all sectors to ensure every child has access to a classroom.
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