DepEd presses completion of unfinished classrooms, broadens delivery options for 2026

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 




MAKATI CITY, 5 February 2026 — The Department of Education (DepEd) is intensifying efforts to complete unfinished classroom projects nationwide, even as it prepares to broaden delivery options starting 2026 to address long-standing gaps in basic education facilities.

For previous years, classroom construction for public schools has largely been implemented through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which is mandated to undertake the construction of school building projects.

 



“Batay sa pinakahuling datos, lagpas 8,000 classroom projects ang sabay-sabay na tinatrabaho para sa 2024 at 2025. Nasa 3,600 classrooms na ang natapos ng DPWH, at ang natitira ay patuloy na tinututukan para agad makumpleto at magamit ng ating mga mag-aaral,” Angara said.



DepEd is working closely with DPWH to resolve unfinished projects carried over from earlier years and ensure that classrooms are completed and turned over for use by learners.

The Department also confirmed that it maintains an inventory of unfinished classroom projects from previous years. To address these backlogs, DepEd proposed Php3.192 billion under the 2026 national budget to complete 3,614 classrooms. Congress approved Php2.282 billion, enough to fund the completion of 2,067 classrooms.


Despite funding constraints, Angara said it is pressing ahead with concrete measures to fast-track completion, in line with the President’s directive to prioritize school infrastructure and learner safety.


As part of this effort, DepEd and DPWH are jointly conducting nationwide validation activities covering 384 schools with unfinished or for-completion classroom projects. The validation seeks to confirm the physical status of each project, remaining scope of work, funding gaps, and site readiness, so that classrooms can be prioritized for immediate completion.


Angara added that while ongoing DPWH projects are being addressed, DepEd is also laying the groundwork for more flexible approaches to classroom delivery beginning in 2026.


“Sa mga nagdaang taon, sabay-sabay naming inaayos ang mga naiwan at hindi natapos na silid-aralan. Para sa 2026 pataas, mas pinalalawak namin ang mga opsyon—kasama ang mas aktibong partisipasyon ng LGUs at iba pang flexible approaches tulad ng public-private partnerships—para mas mabilis at mas akma sa pangangailangan ng bawat komunidad ang solusyon,” Angara said.


As part of the government’s continuing efforts to address the classroom shortage, Angara met with mayors from the National Capital Region on February 4. During the meeting, DepEd presented the guidelines for school building projects under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, including eligibility requirements for local government units and other options to address classroom needs, such as leasing and repair of existing facilities.


Angara noted that discussions on classroom construction targets for the DPWH’s implementation for 2026 are ongoing.


“Mayroon ding naka-program para sa 2026, bagama’t patuloy pa itong pinag-uusapan. Ayon kay Secretary Vince Dizon, nasa humigit-kumulang 1,500 hanggang 2,000 classrooms ang target na maipatayo sa ilalim ng new construction para sa 2026,” he shared.


Angara stressed that close collaboration between DepEd, DPWH, local government units, and the private sector remains critical to accelerating solutions to infrastructure gaps and ensuring that public funds translate into safe, functional learning spaces for learners.