The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday expressed optimism for a faster delivery of classrooms following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with city mayors nationwide in a unified effort to speed up the construction of classrooms.

In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the partnership will help deliver classrooms faster by working closely with local governments that understand the needs of their schools.

“Malaking hakbang ito upang mas mapabilis ang pagpapatayo ng mga silid-aralan (This is a huge step to expedite the construction of classrooms),” he said.

“Alam ng ating mga lungsod kung saan pinakakailangan ang mga classroom, at sa pagtutulungan natin, mas mabibigyan natin ng ligtas at maayos na lugar ang ating mga mag-aaral at guro (We know the cities which are mostly in need of classrooms, and with our cooperation, we can provide learners and teachers with safe and proper spaces).”

The MOA marks the first time that cities nationwide formally committed to a single coordinated plan to address the country’s classroom shortage, which stands at 165,000.

Under the MOA, city governments will help speed up construction permits, identify priority areas for construction projects, and provide direct support in building safe and modern public school rooms.

Local government units are also encouraged to set up Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS) to ensure uninterrupted learning during classroom construction and in times of emergencies or disasters.

The DepEd earlier launched public-private partnerships (PPP) and classroom leasing for both long- and short-term response, particularly in improving learning conditions.

For 2026 alone, the Marcos administration has allocated PHP85 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of basic education facilities in the country. (PNA)