The Department of Budget and Management has approved the release of a budget amounting to P15,151,709,646 for the construction of 4,912 classrooms in 1,194 sites across the country.
This move was welcomed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd), which have identified the need to build and repair classrooms to accommodate the increasing enrollment in public schools.
“Ang napapanahong pagpapalabas ng pondo na pawang hiling ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at Department of Education (DepEd), ay nagpapakita na hindi nag-aatubili ang PBBM administration na mamuhunan sa edukasyon. Kailangan nating magtayo at magkumpuni ng mga classroom para makasabay sa pagtaas ng bilang ng enrollment sa mga pampublikong paaralan,” DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.
She emphasized the administration's commitment to investing in education, saying that "the timely release of funds shows that the PBBM administration is not hesitating to invest in education."
Panganiban added that the construction of new classrooms is essential to address the shortage of facilities in public schools.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte previously identified the lack of classrooms as the most urgent issue in education and promised to address the infrastructure needs.
"Our school children need to be in an environment conducive to learning and fun. They need safe, clean, and well-ventilated classrooms to study well. They are our best investment," said Secretary Pangandaman.
The total cost of construction will amount to P15,020,282,176., which includes the construction, replacement, and completion of kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school buildings, as well as technical vocational laboratories.
It also covers the installation or replacement of disability access facilities, the construction of water and sanitation facilities, site improvement, and other related expenses.
