By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged the local government units (LGUs) to ensure the timely completion of classroom construction and adhere to proper standards, warning against substandard work that could compromise students’ safety.
Marcos made the call, pending the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that will provide LGUs direct funding for the construction of classrooms in the country.
During the distribution of emergency vehicles at the Butuan Sports Complex in Libertad, Butuan City, the President emphasized the need to change the system, citing the delays in the DPWH’s processing of permits and other documentary requirements for the establishment of school buildings.
“Ang budget ng DepEd, binababa iyan sa DPWH. Kaya’t ‘yung mga clearance, mga permitting, sa DPWH ginagawa. Masyadong matagal,” Marcos said.
“Kaya para pabilisin natin, we are changing the system. From now on, lahat ng LGU na may kapasidad na may kaya, ida-download namin ang pondo sa LGU na. Kayo na ang magpatayo ng inyong eskuwelahan.”
He expressed confidence in local chief executives, noting that they will be closely monitored to prevent ghost projects or substandard work.
He said the shift aims to accelerate classroom construction across the country while ensuring accountability and quality at the local level.
“Nakakasiguro ako kasi malakas ang loob ko sa mga LGU executive dahil hindi sila pwedeng mag-ghost project. Sisitahin kayong lahat. Hindi kayo pwedeng gawing substandard. Kapag ginawa niyo ‘yun, araw-araw minumura kayo ng mga constituent ninyo kung hindi tama ang trabaho ninyo,” Marcos said.
About 2,370 classrooms will be built through the partnership of DepEd, DPWH, and local government units, with an estimated 2,000 targeted for completion by the third quarter of 2026, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters on Thursday.
Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to make education his “first and top priority” in the remainder of his term. He also vowed to continue delivering other equipment, such as computers and Starlink units, to enhance connectivity in schools, ensuring that learners have access to modern learning tools. (PNA)
