The Department of Education (DepEd) assured the public that it fully understands their frustration over the slow pace of classroom construction and vowed major reforms ahead of the 2026 budget cycle.

In an official statement, the department said the responsibility for constructing classrooms will once again be handled by DepEd, following widespread dissatisfaction with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Hindi katanggap-tanggap na 22 classrooms lang ang nagawa sa ilalim ng nakaraang pamunuan ng DPWH, sa kabila ng pondong ibinigay at tulong mula sa DepEd,” the statement read.

“Tama na ang palusot. Kaya ngayong 2026, pondo para sa classrooms ibibigay ng DepEd sa mga Local Government Units (LGUS), AFP Corps of Engineers, o sa pribadong sektor.”

DepEd added that it will work closely with the new leadership of DPWH to implement President Marcos’ directive to build 40,000 classrooms before the end of 2028.

In a separate interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Education Secretary Sonny Angara initially confirmed that only 22 classrooms out of the targeted 1,700 were accomplished and cited “delays in paperwork and project implementation” on the part of DPWH.

Meanwhile, during a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday, October 21, Senator Bam Aquino expressed dismay over the DPWH’s progress report, which confirmed the aforementioned figures, while 882 relative projects have yet to begin.

“It’s very clear to me that the responsibility for building our classrooms should be taken away from the DPWH,” Aquino said.

“I propose that we provide support to local government units so they can construct the classrooms themselves in their respective areas,” the Senator further urged.

In response, DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon said they are in full support of the suggested reforms to expedite the construction of classrooms in order to actively improve the quality of education in the country.