DepEd, LGUs set new MOA to fast-track classroom builds for learners and teachers

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MAKATI CITY, 21 January 2026 — The Department of Education (DepEd) has finalized a new memorandum of agreement (MOA) with local government units (LGUs) to accelerate the construction, repair, and improvement of public school classrooms under the 2026 national budget, a move expected to ease classroom congestion and improve learning conditions for learners and teachers.



The agreement follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to fast-track the delivery of basic education facilities, with Education Secretary Sonny Angara saying the MOA strengthens coordination between DepEd and LGUs in identifying priority schools, mobilizing resources, and implementing classroom projects that meet national education and infrastructure standards, while remaining responsive to local needs.

“Mas mabilis kaming makakakilos kapag katuwang ang LGU, dahil sila ang mas nakakaalam kung alin ang pinaka-kailangan ng kanilang mga paaralan,” Angara said. “Ginagawa natin itong malinaw at maayos kasama ang mga liga ng LGU para siguradong ang pondo ay mabilis na nagiging silid-aralan para sa mga bata at guro.”

The MOA is anchored on provisions of the 2026 General Appropriations Act that authorize DepEd to partner with qualified LGUs for the delivery of basic education facilities.


Angara is also coordinating with major LGU associations, including the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), and the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), to finalize implementation details and ensure that local governments are aligned on standards, processes, and timelines for classroom delivery.


Under the MOA, LGUs may participate as implementing partners using various modalities, including their usual procurement processes, different funding mixes from national allocations, the national tax allotment, and special education funds (SEF), as well as programs covering new construction, repairs, or other learning space improvements.


DepEd will provide standardized designs, technical frameworks, and oversight to ensure that all projects meet Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications, as well as audit and accountability rules.


The MOA defines the roles and responsibilities of DepEd and participating LGUs, including the scope of projects, funding arrangements, timelines, and monitoring mechanisms. It also sets safeguards to ensure transparency, proper use of public funds, and compliance with government auditing rules, with DepEd retaining authority to review plans, validate completed classrooms, and require corrective action when standards are not met.


Angara said the agreement is expected to help fast-track the delivery of classrooms as the government works to bridge the 165,000-classroom building gap, ultimately providing safer, less crowded, and more conducive learning spaces for millions of public school learners and their teachers.

Sheraton Manila Bay earns Green Globe Certification

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Manila, Philippines – January 19, 2026 – The World’s Gathering place at the Heart of Manila, Sheraton Manila Bay has been awarded its Green Globe certification in recognition of its commitment to sustainable management and responsible operations. The certification marks a significant milestone for the iconic hotel in located in Malate, Manila reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and long-term sustainability in the heart of the capital.

The Green Globe certification is an internationally recognized standard in the sustainable tourism sector, covering hotels, resorts, and tourism-related organizations worldwide. For Sheraton Manila Bay, the achievement reflects years of consistent effort to embed sustainability into daily operations while delivering elevated guest experiences.

Sheraton Manila Bay is led by General Manager Richard Masselin, who has spearheaded many of the property’s environmental initiatives through strategic infrastructure improvements, resource optimization, and compliance with global sustainability benchmarks.

 

Leadership on Sustainability

“Green Globe strengthens our desire to operate responsibly everyday. Sustainability guides our decisions, shapes our guest experience, and defines our behaviors. We bring people together and believe in the collective power to change the world for the better”, says General Manager, Richard Masselin on Sheraton Manila Bay’s commitment to sustainability, future initiatives, and continued integration of responsible practices into guest experience, operations, and community engagement.

 

Sustainable Management and Operations

Since the strengthening of its sustainability roadmap, Sheraton Manila Bay has implemented a comprehensive Sustainability Management Plan (SMP), overseen by a cross-functional Green Team composed of representatives from key departments. The program ensures that environmental responsibility is embedded across engineering, housekeeping, food and beverage, events, and guest services.

Under the direction of Director of Engineering Anthony Estacio, the hotel has prioritized efficiency, conservation, and responsible sourcing across its facilities and operations, aligning with Marriott International’s global sustainability goals.

Energy, Water, and Waste Management

Resource management is a key operational focus at Sheraton Manila Bay. Energy-saving initiatives include the extensive use of LED and high-efficiency lighting in guest corridors, function spaces, and public areas, as well as conservation plans on selected back-of-house and service areas to minimize unnecessary power consumption.

Waste management strategies are designed to significantly reduce landfill contributions. The hotel follows green procurement practices, implements waste segregation, and supports recycling and food waste minimization initiatives across all departments. Sustainable partnerships and donation programs further extend the hotel’s efforts to responsibly manage operational waste.

 

Culinary with a Sustainable Focus

Sheraton Manila Bay’s culinary team integrates sustainability into menu development and daily kitchen operations. In line with Marriott International’s Serve 360 program, the hotel emphasizes responsible sourcing, seasonal ingredients, and waste reduction practices across all food and beverage outlets.

Menus are designed to highlight thoughtfully sourced ingredients while minimizing excess production. The culinary team also supports local suppliers and producers whenever possible, strengthening community partnerships and promoting sustainable food ecosystems.

Environmental Programs and Advocacy

Environmental responsibility remains a core pillar of Sheraton Manila Bay’s long-term strategy. The hotel actively explores initiatives that support conservation, energy efficiency, and environmental awareness among both guests and associates. These efforts are guided by measurable goals and continuous improvement practices under the hotel’s sustainability framework.

Giving Back to the Community

Beyond environmental stewardship, Sheraton Manila Bay continues to champion social responsibility through meaningful community engagement. The hotel actively participates in Marriott Worldwide Business Councils Philippines initiatives, supporting programs that benefit children, education, and underserved communities. Just last November 2025, the hotel hosted it’s 3rd Art Auction and Benefit Dinner for the benefit of Operation Smile PH.

Associates regularly take part in outreach programs, donation drives, and volunteer efforts, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to being not only a destination for travelers, but also a responsible corporate citizen in Manila.

Moving Forward

With its Green Globe certification awarded on January 6, Sheraton Manila Bay reaffirms its role as a leader in responsible hospitality in the Philippines. Guided by the leadership of General Manager Richard Masselin, the hotel continues to advance sustainability through innovation, operational excellence, and community partnerships.

Further information on Sheraton Manila Bay’s sustainability initiatives is available through the hotel’s Sustainability Management Plan available for viewing at www.sheratonmanilabay.com

Social media: @SheratonManilaBay | Contact number: +63 5318 0788

Together, let’s continue to move forward—with every meaningful moment.

 

Sheraton Manila Bay is a renowned hotel located at M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining experiences, and state-of-the art facilities. With its commitment to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable moments, Sheraton Manila Bay is the perfect destination for both leisure and business travelers. To reserve or book your room accommodations go to www.sheratonmanilabay.com. Sheraton Manila Bay is conveniently located at M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila. Like us on Facebook and Instagram @sheratonmanilabay and follow us on Twitter at@sheratonmnlbay

More classrooms for learners, career milestones for teachers as Angara leads Cavite event

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GENERAL TRIAS CITY, CAVITE, 20 January 2026 — Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Tuesday led the turnover and blessing of a four-storey, 16-classroom school building at Santiago Elementary School, as the Department of Education (DepEd) stepped up efforts to address classroom shortages in fast-growing urban areas and advance teacher career reforms.



Angara said the project reflects the administration’s focus on delivering concrete improvements at the school level, easing long-standing pressure on time and space for learners and teachers in SDO General Trias City, where rapid enrollment growth has led to overcrowded classrooms and strained daily school operations.

“Proven naman po yan, kapag siksikan ang mga silid, hindi makapagturo nang maigi ang teachers. Ayaw na po natin ng shifting as much as possible,” he said, linking classroom construction to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader reform agenda.


The new building, equipped with smart televisions, armchairs, and safety features such as fire alarms and emergency lights, adds to the capacity of Santiago Elementary School, which serves more than 2,400 learners.


The project was made possible through close coordination between DepEd and the city government, which has used its Special Education Fund (SEF) to accelerate school infrastructure development. More than 100 classrooms have been built or are underway across the division in less than three years, easing congestion in several schools.


Angara said DepEd is also rolling out flexibility measures nationwide to speed up classroom delivery, including allowing local government units to construct parallel school buildings, expanding public-private partnerships for large-scale classroom projects, and strengthening the Adopt-A-School Program to tap private sector support. These approaches, he noted, are meant to complement national funding and prevent delays in areas with urgent needs.


“First time in history na gagawin, ibaba na ang pera sa mga LGUs, through decentralization of power, through decentralization of resources,” Angara stressed.


More promoted teachers sworn in under ECP



After the turnover ceremony, Angara presided over the mass oathtaking of 542 teachers from the Cavite cluster promoted under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, with more than half of the promotions coming from SDO General Trias City. For many teachers, the promotions ended years—and in some cases decades—of stalled career movement that had dampened morale and retention.

Among them was Carmen R. Zorilla, now a Teacher IV of Tropical Village Elementary School, whose journey resonated with many in the crowd.

“Sa loob ng 28 taon, Teacher I po ako. Kontento na sana ako, dahil ang sukatan ng tagumpay ko ay ang bawat batang natutong bumasa, umunawa, at mangarap,” Zorilla said. “Hindi ko po inakalang darating ang panahong ito, na mapo-promote ako.”

She thanked President Marcos and Angara for pushing reforms that made career advancement possible. “Sa ilalim ng Expanded Career Progression, napatunayan naming ang pag-angat ng guro ay posible. Hindi po kami pinabayaan ng DepEd. Dahil dito, wala nang gurong kailangang magretiro bilang Teacher I,” she said.


Angara said the scale of promotions marks a historic shift for the department. “Ang estimate po natin, before 2026 ends, basta na-release po 'yong pera, makakapag-promote tayo ng 100,000 teaching positions. First time sa kasaysayan po ng DepEd na ganyang karami ang na-promote, ang nabigyan ng pagkilala," he said.


Nationwide, DepEd has already hired 27,080 teachers, reclassified 16,025 educators, and processed new teaching, school leadership, guidance counseling, and administrative positions to clear promotion backlogs and stabilize the public school workforce.


The twin events—classroom turnover and teacher oathtaking—highlight the agency’s strategy of pairing infrastructure investments with human resource reforms, as it works to improve learning conditions and outcomes across the public school system.