Record-Breaking Classroom Construction Plan Unveiled by DepEd and DPWH
In a landmark move to tackle the Philippines' pressing educational infrastructure needs, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have forged a powerful partnership. On Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Makati City, Education Secretary Sonny Angara and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon signed a memorandum of agreement to implement the Basic Education Facilities Program for Fiscal Year 2026. Both officials expressed unwavering optimism that 2026 will be a "record-breaking" year for classroom construction across the nation.
Ambitious Targets and Strategic Partnerships
The centerpiece of this initiative is the plan to commence construction on an impressive 20,000 classrooms within the year. Secretary Angara emphasized that this ambition is record-breaking not only in scale but also in the strategic funding and swift initiation of projects. The collaboration is designed to expedite inter-agency efforts, ensuring transparency and accountability while addressing the chronic classroom backlogs in public schools.
To achieve these ambitious goals, Secretary Dizon announced that the DPWH will engage larger construction companies. This strategy aims to accelerate the building process while maintaining high standards of quality and durability. "I think this will be a record-breaking year for the classroom constructions," Dizon stated, highlighting the commitment to faster, more resilient infrastructure.
Addressing the Classroom Shortage
The urgency of this program is underscored by DepEd data, which reveals a staggering classroom shortage of over 144,000 as of January 2026. Under the DPWH's direct management, more than 9,000 classrooms are projected for completion this year. This includes:
- At least 5,000 classrooms funded under the FY 2026 budget.
- The completion of 4,000 backlogs carried over from 2025.
Additionally, public-private partnerships and local government unit projects will contribute to the effort, with some officials claiming they can deliver classrooms within 90 days, though timelines may vary by locality.
Comprehensive Program Coverage and Implementation
The memorandum of agreement encompasses a wide range of educational infrastructure projects, ensuring holistic development. Key components include:
- Construction, replacement, repair, and rehabilitation of school buildings from kindergarten to senior high school (K-12) levels.
- Technical vocational laboratories, Last Mile Schools facilities, and Learning Continuity Spaces.
To streamline implementation, DepEd will provide a master list of school infrastructure by the end of May 2026. This will help identify priority schools, ensure site readiness, and secure necessary environmental clearances. Funding will be transferred in three tranches:
- 50 percent upon approval of the MOA and program of works.
- 30 percent upon 75 percent disbursement of the first release.
- The remaining balance upon progress and contract submission.
The DPWH will oversee bidding and construction processes, guaranteeing functionality, safety, and quality assurance. Joint site validations will be conducted to correct any failures to meet established standards, reinforcing the commitment to excellence in educational infrastructure.
