DepEd accelerates P36B nationwide classroom construction rollout

The Department of Education (DepEd) is fast-tracking the nationwide construction of 10,488 new classrooms across 2,437 school sites.

This project utilizes a P36.227 billion allocation, which is part of a larger P58.431 billion budget intended for 21,714 classrooms.

Out of this infrastructure fund, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already approved the release of P17.27 billion.

To expand implementation at the local level, DepEd partnered with 79 local government units to build 2,632 classrooms worth P9.31 billion.

Simultaneously, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secured funding approval for classroom projects worth P7.627 billion.

DepEd is also requesting an additional P3.615 billion to build a second batch of 1,081 classrooms.

To address immediate shortages, the agency is deploying 1,622 prefabricated classrooms called Learning Continuity Spaces worth P3.5 billion.

Three of these temporary units are already complete in Bulacan, Quezon, and Davao, while 159 more will finish construction by July.

Another 3,100 classrooms are currently in the bidding stage under the Public-Private  Partnership School Infrastructure Program.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara explained that the agency is using multiple implementation approaches to speed up delivery and avoid long-standing delays.

“Our objective is to move faster from budget to building. Every classroom that enters procurement, receives funding approval, breaks ground, or reaches completion is part of that effort,” Angara said.

Angara concluded that learners need safe and functional classrooms, prompting active collaboration with the DBM, DPWH, local governments, and private partners.

Classroom shortage remains an issue in schools today as the country currently lacks 156,443 rooms to cater students.