THE DEPARTMENT of Education continues to strengthen its partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways to accelerate the construction and upgrading of school facilities nationwide, directly addressing the country’s classroom shortage.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon led the ceremonial signing of an agreement that establishes a unified framework for the planning, design, and construction of basic education facilities across the country.

The enhanced collaboration aims to address the current classroom shortage of more than 144,000 units by streamlining the implementation of the Basic Education Facilities Program.

“Dahil sa malinaw na layunin ni President Bongbong Marcos na palakasin ang edukasyon, pinapabilis natin ang pagpapatayo ng dekalidad na classrooms. Target nating matugunan agad ang kakulangan at masiguro na may ligtas na espasyo para sa bawat mag-aaral,” Angara said.

“Mas pinalakas din natin ang ugnayan ng DepEd at DPWH. Tinitiyak nating bawat proyekto ay mabilis, maayos, at talagang nakatutok sa tunay na pangangailangan ng mga paaralan,” he added.

The Memorandum of Agreement covers the construction, replacement, repair, and rehabilitation of school buildings from kindergarten to senior high school. It also includes technical-vocational laboratories, facilities in Last Mile Schools, and Learning Continuity Spaces.

“It’s a testament to what the President has instructed Sec. Sonny and I to do, which is really to act fast. ’Yon naman ang objective nating lahat dito—bilisan natin,” Dizon emphasized.

To ensure inclusivity, the initiative also integrates disability access features, along with improved water and sanitation facilities.