MANILA (August 15) – The Department of Education (DepEd) assured on Thursday that it is addressing the country’s long-standing classroom shortage with urgency and flexibility.
The statement came after lawmakers raised concerns during a Senate hearing on the proposed Classroom Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the Department of Budget and Management has included a “special provision” in the 2026 National Expenditure Program to allow DepEd to partner with multiple agencies for faster construction.
Currently, DepEd handles the planning, design, and funding allocation for classrooms, while the Department of Public Works and Highways manages cost estimates, procurement, and construction. The country faces a backlog of nearly 165,000 classrooms, requiring around PHP413 billion.
Angara emphasized tapping local government units, NGOs, and private partners through the Special Education Fund, public-private partnerships, and the Adopt-a-School program, particularly for far-flung areas. He also expressed support for the CAP, which will include a national classroom master plan, clear roles for stakeholders, and centralized monitoring.
DepEd is now adopting hazard-resilient designs to ensure classrooms can withstand typhoons and flooding.
