EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara has launched major partnerships with state agencies, local government units, and private firms to address the nationwide classroom shortage and improve digital infrastructure in public schools.
The Department of Education (DepEd) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and 38 local government units (LGUs).
Under the deal, PAGCOR will provide ₱55 million in financial aid to each LGU to build a three-story, 12-classroom school building.
Released in three tranches, the funds will support the construction of 456 new classrooms nationwide, with completion scheduled by late 2027.
This agreement marks the second phase of the initiative, following a March 2026 deal with 21 LGUs to build 252 classrooms.
Partner LGUs will manage procurement and construction, after which DepEd will assume ownership, administration, and facility maintenance.
Secretary Angara emphasized that school building shortages remain one of DepEd’s most persistent hurdles, exacerbated annually by natural disasters.
“We continuously experience this not only because our school buildings are aging, but also because we are challenged every year by various calamities,” Angara noted, praising partner organizations for stepping forward to fund sturdy infrastructure.
In a separate move to bolster digital resilience, Angara spearheaded the launch of an Adopt-a-School ICT initiative at Cornelio C. Dalena Elementary School in Pakil, Laguna.
The project, established through a partnership between the DepEd SDO Laguna, Prime Infra Foundation, and Ahunan Power, Inc., equips 12 local public schools with Starlink satellite internet systems along with three years of fully paid service.
The high-speed connectivity aims to prevent learning disruptions caused by severe weather conditions.
Citing findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), Angara highlighted that students in some divisions lose up to 40 to 50 class days annually due to climate disruptions.
The former lawmaker also described the digital intervention as a vital bridge to expanded educational opportunities and community resilience.