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.

DepEd supports PBBM-led digital reforms to strengthen education-to-employment pathways

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

MAKATI CITY, 05 February 2026 — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the launch of the TESDA Skills Passport Mobile Application at the Makabagong San Juan Theatre in San Juan City, marking a key milestone in the government’s drive to strengthen education-to-work pathways through digitalization and inter-agency coordination. 

“Patuloy naming sisigurihin na may sapat na pondo ang edukasyon. Palalakasin din namin ang pagsulong ng skills development ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino,” President Marcos said.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara underscored that the initiative supports the Department of Education’s efforts to align basic education, skills training, and employment outcomes, in collaboration with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).  

The mobile application, developed under the leadership of TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez, consolidates learners’ skills, competencies, training certifications, scholarship access, and employment opportunities into a single, secure, and verifiable platform—advancing President Marcos’ directive to make government services more efficient, responsive, and learner-centered. 

“Kung malinaw ang ugnayan ng edukasyon at trabaho, mas nagkakaroon ng saysay ang bawat hakbang ng pagkatuto,” Angara said. “Dapat malinaw, mapagkakatiwalaan, at madaling dalhin ng mga mag-aaral at manggagawa ang kanilang credentials saan man sila magpunta.”

The platform allows its learners and workers to store and present verified records of their competencies, certifications, and training through the Skills Passports feature. It also includes a Trabaho component that links users to employment opportunities, as well as a Scholarship module that provides information on available TESDA scholarship programs.  

By digitizing learner profiles and skills credentials, the platform shortens the gap between training and hiring, enabling employers and partner institutions to easily validate applicants and their credentials and allowing learners to showcase their skills more efficiently. It also improves employability, enhances the portability and transparency of skills records, and strengthens alignment between training provision and labor market demand.  

For DepEd, the platform supports its reform initiatives by providing Senior High School (SHS) graduates, particularly those in the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track, with a seamless pathway from education to employment.  

“Para sa mga SHS graduate, lalo na sa TVL track, mahalaga na dala nila ang kasanayan na kinikilala at magagamit saan man sila magpunta,” Angara said. “Ito ang pundasyon ng isang edukasyong may malinaw na patutunguhan.” 

The Majesty of the East: Where Fire Meets the Sea

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In the heart of the Bicol Peninsula lies a land forged by fire and cradled by the Pacific—Albay. This isn’t just a destination on a map; it is a living, breathing masterpiece where nature’s raw power and human warmth collide in a spectacular display of culture and landscape. To step into Albay is to step into a story that has been centuries in the making.

The Crown Jewel: Mayon, the Beautiful

Towering over the province like a silent, watchful deity is Mayon Volcano. Renowned globally for its "perfect cone," Mayon is more than a geographical marvel—it is the soul of the region. Local legend says its name comes from Magayon, meaning "beautiful," and she lives up to the title with an awe-inspiring symmetry that remains breathtaking from every angle.

Whether you are witnessing the ethereal glow of a sunrise hitting its peak or exploring the historic Cagsawa Ruins—where a lone belfry stands as a haunting testament to the volcano’s 1814 fury—Mayon commands your respect and your heart.

A Map of Wonders: From Peaks to Pacific Depths

Albay is a playground for the soul, offering a diverse geography that caters to every type of traveler:

The Coastal Frontiers: Head to Bacacay for pristine white beaches or dive into the crystal-clear waters of Rapu-Rapu to witness vibrant marine life and stunning rock formations.

The Inland Escapes: Discover the lush greens of Malinao, home to the refreshing Vera Falls, or visit Libon, the "Rice Granary of Albay," where the fields stretch out in a golden patchwork under the sun.

The Heights of Adventure: For the thrill-seekers, the rugged terrain of Camalig and Guinobatan offers world-class ATV trails that take you right to the lava walls of Mayon.

The Taste of Fire: A Culinary Odyssey

You cannot say you have experienced Albay without surrendering to its cuisine. Bicolano food is a daring dance of creamy coconut milk and the sharp sting of siling labuyo (chili).

Pinangat: A masterpiece of shredded taro leaves and meat simmered in coconut milk.

Longganisa de Guinobatan: Small but mighty sausages packed with distinct local spices.

Sili Ice Cream: The ultimate Albay paradox—a dessert that is simultaneously freezing cold and strikingly spicy.

The Heart of the People: "Dios Mabalos!"

What truly sets Albay apart is the spirit of its people. The local greeting, "Dagos tabi sa Albay!" (Welcome to Albay!), is more than a formality; it is a genuine invitation into their homes and history.

From the intricate Abaca products hand-woven by local artisans to the rhythmic beauty of the Bikol language, there is a deep sense of pride here. Albay is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, a title earned through a commitment to preserving the delicate balance between a growing civilization and the magnificent environment they call home.

Your Journey Awaits

Whether you are seeking the adrenaline of an ATV trek, the serenity of a hidden waterfall, or the spiritual quiet of an old stone church in Tiwi, Albay delivers. It is a place where the earth is restless, the food is fiery, and the welcome is as warm as the tropical sun.