DepEd: 3,637 new classrooms since 2023, more needed

(AFP FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) had built a total of 3,637 new classrooms in 2023, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said on Thursday.

Duterte, however, during her presentation of the 2024 Basic Education Report in Pasay City admitted that the number of new  classrooms is not enough.

“We have made progress, but clearly, this is not enough,” said Duterte.

Hence, Duterte said the DepEd is already working with the Department of Public Works and Highways to improve proper coordination in building classrooms.

Both DepEd and DPWH are also working on a “Special Allotment Release Order” request process so that the two agencies “can build more and build faster.”

According to Duterte, there are currently 6,203 classrooms already in various stages of construction, with another 811 already under procurement.

Construction of at least 4,000 classrooms are expected to be compeletd by the end of the first semester of 2024, said Duterte.

During her first Basic Education Report in 2023, Duterte declared the lack of school infrastructure and resources as the “most pressing issue” faced by the Philippine education sector.