Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara signed a USD 1 million Technical Assistance Agreement with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center on Friday to address a portion of the 165,000 classroom shortage.
The agreement provides technical support for the construction of 15,000 classrooms in 2025 under the PPP for School Infrastructure Program Phase III (PSIP III).
The Project Development and Monitoring Facility grant from the PPP Center aims to streamline the planning and implementation of PSIP III, ensuring a more effective approach to addressing the country’s classroom backlog.
“He [President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.] would appreciate this partnership today (Friday) because it’s in line with his directives as this will not only improve the quality of education, but also improve the learning environment,” Angara said.
DepEd stated that they are exploring classroom construction packaged with sustainable energy, internet connectivity, furniture, and water systems, aiming to maximize the utility of the said classrooms.
Further, the classrooms will also incorporate sustainability and climate resiliency features, including solar panel systems and rainwater catchments, ensuring they meet the needs of future generations.
DepEd is reviving its PPP initiatives for school infrastructure while exploring innovative PPP models for other educational facilities, such as bundled campus development, school libraries, and other essential infrastructure.
This initiative is in line with the department’s top priority of creating safe, conducive learning environments under its five-point reform agenda.
Starting in 2025, DepEd plans to roll out a new wave of PPP projects to design, finance, and construct 15,000 classrooms in approximately 1,600 schools across nine regions. This initiative is expected to benefit over 600,000 learners nationwide.
Angara expressed his gratitude to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan for recommending this partnership. He noted that the NEDA Chief still has future plans to help the education sector.
“Thank you [Secretary Balisacan] for your initiative and we are looking forward working with you. We appreciate the all the time you’ve given us,” Angara noted.
Also present during the signing were PPP Center Executive Director Ma. Cynthia Hernandez, NEDA Chief Balisacan, Department of Finance Usec. Catherine Fong, Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation President Josephine Romero, and senior DepEd officials.