Education Secretary Sonny Angara is pushing for a major shift in how the Department of Education (DepEd) builds classrooms, following reports that out of more than 1,000 school projects, only 22 have been completed. The move aims to address the long-standing DepEd classroom backlog that continues to affect thousands of students nationwide.
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DPWH’s Backlogs
In a recent interview, Angara revealed his disappointment over the sluggish progress of classroom construction under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Out of the over 1,000 schools na dapat magagawa, nasa 22 lang,” he said, adding that it was time to rethink the current process. “Gusto na naming baguhin yung sistema dahil since 2018, tanging DPWH lang ang nabigyan ng kapangyarihan gumawa ng DepEd classrooms.”
Decentralizing Classroom Construction
To accelerate the process, Angara plans to involve capable local government units (LGUs) in classroom building. “Ang gusto namin ngayon pati isama na yung local government units—yung mga lalawigan, yung mga lungsod, yung mga first class municipalities, maybe even second class na may kakayahan gumawa ng classrooms.”
He believes that allowing LGUs to participate could significantly improve turnaround times.
“Palagay ko mas bibilis 'yung proseso at siguro sa dami na rin ng ginagawa ng DPWH, nahirapan na rin sila,” he added.
Angara also expressed confidence in DPWH Secretary Vince Deon’s leadership, noting visible improvements in the department’s disaster response.
“Ako'y kumpiyansa na sa ilalim ng liderato ni Sec Vince Deon bibilis naman... nakita ko dito sa mga kalamidad, bumilis na rin ang reaksyon ng DPWH.”
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Exploring Public-Private Partnerships
Beyond decentralization, Angara is also looking at partnerships with the private sector to help reduce the DepEd classroom backlog.
“Meron tayong pino-propose na public-private partnerships or PPPs doon,” he said. He cited a previous success under former Education Secretary Brother Armin Luistro.
“Nakapagtayo ng 14,000 classrooms... kasi doon imbes na nagpapa-bid ka ng isang building lamang, nagpapa-bid ka ng 1,000 classrooms. So sabay-sabay 'yun, malakihan ho talaga yung pag-construct ng classroom pag ganon.”
Through PPPs, DepEd can manage bulk construction projects and deliver classrooms at a faster pace while maintaining quality and cost efficiency.
Aiming for 40,000 Classrooms
When asked about the department’s goals before the end of the administration, Angara affirmed: “The President promised 40,000 and we plan to meet that goal.”
Currently, there are 900 pending projects and around 150,000 classrooms needed nationwide. Angara acknowledged the challenge but remained determined.
He also did not hold back his frustration over misplaced priorities.
“Mukhang nawili sila doon sa flood control... parang hindi na naging priority yung pagtayo ng classroom,” he said, noting that education infrastructure must be treated as urgent.
Building Classrooms, Building the Future
For Angara, fixing the DepEd classroom backlog is not just about building structures. It is about giving students a fair chance to learn and grow.
The Education Secretary believes that collaboration among DepEd, DPWH, LGUs, and private partners is key to progress. With stronger coordination and accountability, he hopes classrooms will rise faster than before, and the next generation of learners will finally study in spaces they deserve.
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