DepEd finishes 391 disaster-resilient school buildings; 150 being built

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has completed nearly 400 prefabricated school buildings designed to withstand super typhoons and strong earthquakes, significantly cutting down construction time from years to a matter of weeks.

According to DepEd, 391 modular school buildings have been completed while 150 more units are currently under construction.

“Our children shouldn’t have to wait years for a classroom. With these, we can build safe, good classrooms in weeks. This is our answer to President Bongbong Marcos’ call for fast, solid action,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

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Dubbed as the “Learning Continuity Space” (LCS), each modular structure features flexible layouts that can accommodate two to five classrooms based on a school’s specific needs. Each unit is equipped with three toilets, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, as well as provisions for rainwater harvesting.

Designed for rapid deployment within four to eight weeks, the LCS units can withstand wind speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour and meet structural earthquake standards required for the country’s most seismically active zones. DepEd added that the structures were engineered to remain cool, well-ventilated, and naturally lit.

The initial batch of LCS units was turned over in June to Kalawakan Elementary School in Bulacan, Buli Elementary School in Quezon, and Magwawa Integrated School in Davao del Norte.

Subsequent completions include Don Marcelo Marty High School in Zambales, Doroteo Elementary School in Davao de Oro, Loon North High School in Bohol, San Jose Elementary School and Lennec Elementary School in Nueva Ecija, Lubao Elementary School in Pampanga, and Digap-Fulgosino Community School in Pangasinan.

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A total of 878 units are slated for construction under the first two phases of the LCS project.

“Every classroom paid for should be a classroom built, and built well. When the government and our partners work together, we deliver faster,” Angara emphasized.

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The quick-build project forms a key part of DepEd’s broader strategy to address the country’s looming shortage of 165,000 classrooms, complementing ongoing joint infrastructure efforts with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units, and private sector partners.