Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday expressed optimism for a faster delivery of classrooms following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with city mayors nationwide in a unified effort to speed up the construction of classrooms.

According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stated that the partnership will facilitate quicker delivery of classrooms by collaborating with local governments that are aware of the needs of their schools. Angara emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that cities are well-positioned to identify areas where classrooms are most needed, and through cooperation, they can provide learners and teachers with safe and adequate spaces.

The MOA marks the first time cities nationwide have formally committed to a coordinated plan to address the country's classroom shortage, which currently stands at 165,000. Under the agreement, city governments will expedite construction permits, identify priority areas for construction projects, and provide direct support in building safe and modern public school rooms.

Local government units are also encouraged to establish Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS) to ensure uninterrupted learning during classroom construction and in times of emergencies or disasters. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes public-private partnerships (PPP) and classroom leasing for both long- and short-term responses, particularly in improving learning conditions.

For 2026, the Marcos administration has allocated PHP85 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of basic education facilities in the country.