THE DEPARTMENT of Education renewed its partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways in strengthening the School Building Program to address classroom lack.

During the 2023 National Planning Conference, DepEd Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III and DPWH Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Antonio Molano Jr. represented their agencies in renewing the partnership in the implementation of the School Building Program under the Basic Education Facilities Fund of the department.

The DPWH will process the necessary permits and clearances, ensure the construction of complete buildings while DepEd will assist DPWH in providing documents for application, approval, and issuance of permits. It will also monitor project implementation.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, in her Basic Education Report 2023, identified the lack of school infrastructure and resources as one of the biggest challenges the basic education sector faces.

The DepEd launched the MATATAG Agenda which includes the establishment of the School Infrastructure and Facilities strand to address long-standing issues on education facilities and infrastructure.

“Together, let us work harder to build more schools and classrooms for our Filipino children and youth so they can learn, develop, and realize their full potential,” Duterte said.