Manila: City mayors from Negros Occidental hailed the implementation of the Nationwide Classroom Building Program and the largest ever allocation for the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) after taking part in launching ceremonies led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malaca±ang on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, local chief executives of 149 cities entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) to formalize the agency's partnership with the cities for shared responsibilities in funding construction and long-term maintenance under the program dubbed 'Constructing our Future'. Through their Facebook posts, those from Negros Occidental welcomed the initiatives poised to bring long-term benefits to the local government units (LGUs) and their constituents.
In this highly urbanized city, Mayor Greg Gasataya said signing the MOA with the DepEd to close classroom gaps nationwide means building more classrooms for the city. 'Education remains at the heart of our priorities, and we will keep ensuring quality and accessible learning for every Bacolodnon,' he added.
La Carlota City Mayor Jose Luis said through the partnership, the city government is 'taking a massive step toward fast-tracking the construction of safe, modern, and conducive learning spaces'. 'This is for the future of our Mangkasanon children,' he said.
Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said the city's participation in the collaboration with DepEd 'reflects its continuing commitment to education as a priority investment, ensuring that learners have access to safe, adequate, and conducive school facilities'.
In Kabankalan City, the city government said Mayor Benjie Miranda's signing of the MOA 'shows a strong commitment to quality education - supporting classroom expansion and building better, safer learning spaces for every student'.
Talisay City Mayor Rowena Lizares said the MOA between the city and the DepEd is 'a powerful partnership and big step forward for education.' 'It is a symbol of accelerating and pushing the path towards a brighter future for our children,' it added.
Funded by the national government, the Nationwide Classroom Building Program will allow LGUs to oversee project implementation, procurement, and on-site management while DepEd sets technical standards, validates projects, and monitors compliance to ensure public funds are properly used.
Meanwhile, Gasataya also welcomed the national government's additional assistance to Bacolod through the LGSF under the 'Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang' program, which has a record-breaking PHP57.87-billion allocation for 2026 that aims to accelerate the delivery of essential services at the grassroots level. 'Aside from providing more aid to those in need, it will also help us implement priority programs, especially in infrastructure,' the mayor said.
