Angara leads deals to modernize school infra, boost digital resilience

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd), led by Secretary Sonny Angara, has spearheaded partnerships with state agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector to modernize public school infrastructure and expand digital connectivity nationwide.

The partnerships aim to address two critical challenges facing the basic education system — a classroom shortage and learning disruptions caused by weather-related emergencies.

According to its statement on Thursday, DepEd has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and 49 local government units to build new public school facilities in target communities nationwide.

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READ: DepEd completes partnerships with provinces to ease classroom shortage

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Funding classroom construction

Under the agreement, each of the partner LGUs will receive P55 million in financial assistance from Pagcor to fund the construction of a three-story school building with 12 classrooms.

The funds will be released in three tranches, subject to technical compliance and progress monitoring. This is the second ceremonial signing under the arrangement, after the first one held in March 2026 with 21 LGUs to construct 252 classrooms.

As implementing partners, LGUs will oversee procurement and construction in strict adherence to government procurement laws and approved architectural plans. Once completed by the end of 2027, DepEd will assume full ownership, administrative management, and maintenance of the facilities.

Angara witnessed the ceremonial signing ceremony with Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco and local chief executives.

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“One of the biggest challenges that we face in the Department is the shortage of classrooms,” Angara said.

“We continue to experience this — not only because our school buildings are getting older, but also because every year we are challenged by various calamities. So it’s a big thing for us to have partners who continue to support this goal,” he added in Filipino.

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Addressing local chief executives present, Angara said they hold a direct stake in ensuring transparent project execution, stressing that safe and sturdy learning spaces form the bedrock of youth development.

ICT program

Also on Wednesday, Angara led the launch of an Adopt-a-School ICT program, which addresses digital infrastructure and climate resilience, at the Cornelio C. Dalena Elementary School in Pakil, Laguna.

The project will deploy high-speed satellite internet technology to maintain learning continuity during severe weather events.

It was established through a memorandum of agreement between the DepEd Schools Division Office of Laguna, Prime Infra Foundation, and Ahunan Power Inc.

Ahunan Power and Prime Infra Foundation donated Starlink satellite internet kits to 12 beneficiary schools in Pakil and committed to covering the monthly subscription fees for three years.

“This is life-changing for our students and teachers, especially during a calamity. As Edcom II pointed out, our students have missed a record number of days [of school] — as much as 40 to 50 days in some of our school divisions,” Angara said.

According to him, the program will give more encouragement to students, teachers, and communities.

During the live demonstration, Angara highlighted technology as a mechanism for expanding educational reach.

“ICT is a bridge to opportunity, empowering teachers and learners, and building resilient communities prepared for the future,” Angara said.

READ: DepEd to launch digital safety drive as campus violence rises

Prime Infra Foundation Executive Director Donato Almeda said the effort goes beyond technology, focusing on building long-term community resilience and opening digital pathways for local teachers and learners.

“We keep saying that the future depends on the youth,” Almeda said.

“And today, as we celebrate this initiative, we are putting that belief into action by giving better access to the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to build that future.”

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The joint ventures form part of DepEd’s overarching strategy to leverage cross-sector resource mobilization to fast-track modern, climate-ready, and connected learning spaces nationwide. /atm