File photo for reference only

 

The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on September 19 that over 1,000 classrooms across the Philippines were turned over to schools in an unfinished state, impacting educational infrastructure. Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted that these classrooms lack essential facilities, rendering them unusable for students. This issue raises concerns about construction quality and accountability in government projects.

 

The incomplete classroom situation emerged from a DepEd audit, revealing deficiencies such as the absence of paint, electricity, and water. Angara, in a radio interview, likened the classrooms to "aswangs"—projects existing but not completed. Under current regulations, DepEd funds school construction, but only the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is authorized to build them. This arrangement has slowed classroom construction over the past decade, with DPWH facing scrutiny for alleged "ghost projects."

 

In response, Angara emphasized the need for reforms to expedite classroom construction by involving local government units (LGUs), NGOs, and private partners. This proposal aims to move beyond the reliance on DPWH, which has encountered implementation bottlenecks. DepEd suggests granting LGUs the authority to handle classroom construction, contingent on Congressional approval, and ensuring standardized designs and safety measures are met.

 

Looking forward, DepEd plans to push for flexibility in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to enable broader participation in school-building projects. Despite challenges, Angara secured over ₱458 million in private sector commitments to fund new classrooms. He underscores collaboration among DepEd, LGUs, and the private sector as essential to overcoming the chronic classroom shortage, ensuring every Filipino child has access to a safe learning environment.

 

Key Takeaways

• Over 1,000 unfinished classrooms highlight construction issues.
• Reforms proposed to involve LGUs and private partners in building.
• Collaboration seen as vital to address classroom shortages.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-09-19

 

 

At least the classrooms exist, unlike some flood control projects...