DepEd boosts oversight as 168 LGUs push classroom construction projects
MANILA, Philippines — Building on the Department of Education’s (DepEd) commitment to transparency and rigorous fiscal standards, Education Secretary Sonny Angara has reinforced institutional oversight of the nationwide localized classroom building program.
To date, DepEd is actively managing partnerships with 168 local government units (LGUs) that have signed Supplemental Memoranda of Agreement (MOA), encompassing 72 provinces, 73 cities, and 23 municipalities.
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This intensified monitoring framework ensures that local infrastructure projects align with national timelines, digital validation, and strict quality protocols.
Secretary Angara emphasized that while localized construction is a vital step toward meeting classroom demands, DepEd remains committed to upholding national standards to ensure the best possible learning environments.
“Ang ating layunin ay hindi lamang basta makapagpatayo ng gusali, kundi masigurong ang bawat pisong ginagastos ay nagiging kalidad at ligtas na silid-aralan para sa ating mga mag-aaral. Sa ilalim ng direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos, patuloy nating pinahihigpitan ang monitoring upang matiyak na bawat proyekto ay sumusunod sa ating mataas na pamantayan,” Angara said.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure these classrooms are built with efficiency and transparency, as this infrastructure is the bedrock of a quality learning environment. We will continue to hold our partners and our internal systems to the highest level of accountability to ensure these projects remain on track,” he added.
Of the 149 monitored LGUs, 130 are currently conducting pre-procurement activities — including pre-bidding, posting, opening of bids, preparation of the Program of Work (POW) and Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design (DAED), and market scoping — covering the construction requirements for 358 schools.
Meanwhile, three LGUs have already advanced to the procurement award stage, covering 22 school sites.
DepEd continues to leverage its digital validation and monitoring systems to manage the progress of the remaining LGUs.
With these robust oversight mechanisms in place, DepEd remains steadfast in its mission to deliver resilient, inclusive, and accessible learning spaces for all learners.
