Education Secretary Sonny Angara has spearheaded a series of partnerships with state agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector to modernize public school infrastructure and expand digital connectivity across the country.
The dual initiatives address two critical challenges facing the country’s basic education system: classroom shortage and learning disruptions caused by weather-related emergencies.
The joint ventures form part of DepEd’s overarching strategy to leverage cross-sector resource mobilization to fast-track modern, climate-ready, and connected learning spaces nationwide.
The Department of Education (DepEd) joined forces with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and 38 Local Government Units (LGUs) to build new public school facilities in target communities nationwide.
Under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), each of the 38 partner LGUs will receive PHP55 million in financial assistance from PAGCOR to fund the construction of a three-story school building equipped with 12 classrooms. The funds will be released in three tranches contingent on technical compliance and progress monitoring.
This marks the second ceremonial signing under the partnership, following the first signing held in March 2026 with 21 LGUs to each construct a three-story school building with 12 classrooms for a total of 252 classrooms.
As implementing partners, LGUs will oversee procurement and construction in strict adherence to government procurement laws and approved architectural plans. Upon completion, slated for the end of 2027, DepEd will assume full ownership, administrative management, and maintenance of the facilities.
“One of the biggest challenges that we face in the Department is the shortage of classrooms,” said Angara, who witnessed the ceremonial signing ceremony alongside PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco and local chief executives.
“Patuloy natin itong nararanasan hindi lamang dahil tumatanda na ang ating mga school building; taon-taon din tayong hinahamon ng iba’t ibang kalamidad. Kaya’t napakalaking bagay sa atin ang mga partner na patuloy na sumusuporta sa layuning ito,” Angara added.
During the live demonstration, Angara highlighted technology as a mechanism for expanding educational reach.
Addressing local chief executives present, Angara emphasized that municipal and city leaders hold a direct stake in ensuring transparent project execution, stressing that safe and sturdy learning spaces form the bedrock of youth development.
Secretary Angara also led the launch of an Adopt-a-School ICT program at Cornelio C. Dalena Elementary School in Pakil, Laguna on Wednesday, addressing digital infrastructure and climate resilience.
Established through a Memorandum of Agreement between the DepEd Schools Division Office of Laguna, Prime Infra Foundation, and Ahunan Power, Inc., the project deploys high-speed satellite internet technology to maintain learning continuity during severe weather events.
Ahunan Power and Prime Infra Foundation donated Starlink satellite internet kits to 12 beneficiary schools in Pakil and committed to covering the monthly subscription fees for three years.
“Life-changing ito para sa ating mga estudyante at mga guro, especially itong panahon ng kalamidad. Nabanggit ng EDCOM II, record number of days ang nami-miss ng ating learners, as much as 40 to 50 days in some of our school divisions,” Angara said. “Mas gaganahan po ang ating mga estudyante, ang ating mga guro, at ang ating community.”
During the live demonstration, Angara highlighted technology as a mechanism for expanding educational reach. “ICT is a bridge to opportunity, empowering teachers and learners, and building resilient communities prepared for the future,” Angara said.
Prime Infra Foundation Executive Director Donato Almeda said the effort goes beyond technology, focusing on building long-term community resilience and opening digital pathways for local teachers and learners.
“Lagi natin sinasabi na ang kinabukasan ay nakasalalay sa ating mga kabataan. And today, as we celebrate this initiative, we are putting that belief into action by giving better access to the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to build that future,” Almeda said.
The joint ventures form part of DepEd’s overarching strategy to leverage cross-sector resource mobilization to fast-track modern, climate-ready, and connected learning spaces nationwide.
