The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will provide an initial PHP1.37 billion for the construction of 25 public school buildings nationwide.

PAGCOR formalized the initiative with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) and representatives of the initial batch of 25 beneficiary local government units on Wednesday at the PAGCOR office.

In a statement, PAGCOR said the funding forms part of its two-year plan to build 125 school buildings, or about 1,500 classrooms, to help address the country’s classroom backlog in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).

PAGCOR Chairperson and CEO Alejandro Tengco said funds for the project totaling more than PHP8 billion have already been earmarked.

“Our commitment to the President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) is that all classrooms will be completed not later than 2027,” he said.

To ensure transparency and proper implementation, the funds will be released to the LGUs in three tranches based on construction progress and compliance with project standard.

The first batch of recipients include LGUs in La Union, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bulacan, Zambales, Batangas and Cavite, as well as those in Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Antique, Samar, Davao Oriental, South Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Sulu.

Each local government unit will receive about PHP55 million for the construction of a three-story school building with 12 classrooms that are equipped with chairs, tables, persons with disability (PWD)-friendly facilities, electric fans, microphones, a 75-inch smart TV, and a one-year free internet subscription.

Tengco said the program aims to improve learning conditions particularly in areas where students continue to endure overcrowded classrooms, irregular schedules and makeshift learning spaces.

“We have learned that the country has an estimated 165,000 classroom shortage, which is a daunting challenge for any administration,” he said.

Tengco said PAGCOR has a new initiative that will require online gaming licensees to allocate a portion of their gross gaming revenues to socio-civic programs, including the repair and rehabilitation of public school buildings nationwide.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the school building project brings renewed hope to the education sector despite ongoing challenges.

“We thank PAGCOR for its continued support to the education sector. These classrooms are not just physical structures; they are places where dreams can become reality for millions of young Filipinos,” Angara said. (PNA)