Education Secretary Sonny Angara is leading new partnerships with government agencies, local governments, and the private sector to address classroom shortages and strengthen digital connectivity in public schools. The initiatives build on DepEd’s broader push to expand LGU participation and other construction partnerships to speed up the delivery of school facilities.
DepEd has partnered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and 38 local government units for the construction of new public school facilities in communities across the country. Under the agreement, each LGU will receive PHP55 million from PAGCOR to build a three-story school building with 12 classrooms, with funding to be released in three tranches based on technical compliance and project progress.
The latest signing follows an earlier agreement in March 2026 involving 21 LGUs, each tasked with constructing a three-story, 12-classroom school building. The LGUs will oversee procurement and construction in accordance with government procurement rules and approved designs, while DepEd will assume ownership, administration, and maintenance of the completed facilities, which are targeted for completion by the end of 2027.
Angara said classroom shortages remain among the major challenges facing the education sector, noting that school buildings also face deterioration and damage from recurring natural disasters. He stressed the importance of working with local leaders and other partners to provide safe and durable learning spaces for students.
The Education Secretary also led the launch of an Adopt-a-School ICT program at Cornelio C. Dalena Elementary School in Pakil, Laguna, designed to help schools maintain learning continuity during severe weather. The initiative, established through a partnership between the DepEd Schools Division Office of Laguna, Prime Infra Foundation, and Ahunan Power Inc., uses high-speed satellite internet technology to strengthen school connectivity.
Prime Infra Foundation and Ahunan Power donated Starlink satellite internet kits to 12 beneficiary schools in Pakil and committed to covering their monthly subscription fees for three years. During a live demonstration, Angara highlighted the role of ICT in connecting teachers and learners, particularly when weather-related disruptions prevent regular classes.
Prime Infra Foundation Executive Director Donato Almeda said the initiative also seeks to build long-term community resilience by giving teachers and learners better access to digital tools, knowledge, and opportunities. The classroom construction and ICT partnerships form part of DepEd’s broader strategy of mobilizing resources from different sectors to develop modern, climate-ready, and connected learning environments nationwide.
