Agusan del norte: Agusan del Norte Lone District Representative Dale Corvera has introduced a legislative measure intended to empower local government units (LGUs) in addressing the nation's classroom shortage. The bill, filed on Monday, seeks to transfer the responsibility of constructing school buildings from the Department of Public Works and Highways to LGUs.

According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed legislation, House Bill 3781 or the 'Classroom-Building Authority for Local Government Units Act,' will authorize LGUs as the implementing agencies for school building projects. The initiative aims to tackle the significant classroom backlog across the country, which is adversely impacting the educational environment.

Rep. Corvera highlighted a report from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which has identified a deficit of 165,000 classrooms nationwide. This shortage has resulted in large class sizes, multiple shifts, and poor learning outcomes for Filipino students. Corvera emphasized that the underutilization of the Basic Education Facilities Fund has further delayed essential school infrastructure projects.

He pointed out that rising construction costs exacerbate the challenge of resolving the classroom shortage. To streamline the process, the bill proposes that funds from the national government be allocated directly to LGUs by the Department of Budget and Management, following endorsement from the Department of Education (DepEd).

The DepEd would be responsible for monitoring and evaluating all school building projects, with a requirement to submit an annual consolidated report to Congress. This oversight is intended to ensure accountability and transparency in the implementation of the projects, ultimately improving the educational infrastructure in the Philippines.