Dumaguete city: Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara is optimistic that local government units (LGUs) will partner with the national government in building schools to address the growing demand for more classrooms. Angara was in Negros Oriental on Friday and visited three schools in Sibulan, Tanjay City, and here in the provincial capital, to assess the current status of public education in the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, Angara mentioned in an interview that the construction of school buildings is a continuing program of the DepEd. He highlighted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved in principle a public-private partnership aimed at building approximately 3,000 to 4,000 classrooms annually. This initiative seeks to alleviate the pressing issue of classroom shortages in the country.

During a dialogue with DepEd officials from the Negros Island Region and Negros Oriental at the Dumaguete City National High School, teachers expressed concerns regarding the lack of classrooms. Angara acknowledged these concerns and noted the potential benefits of partnering with LGUs. "I think it is a good suggestion and we welcome it because as you know, with the Mandanas Doctrine, cities have more income, more money to spend on different projects," he said, referring to the increased national tax allocation for LGUs.

Angara further explained the current budget setup of the DepEd, which includes a special provision allowing only the Department of Public Works and Highways to build classrooms. He emphasized the need for a more flexible provision that would enable the DepEd to collaborate directly with local governments, thus expediting the construction of much-needed educational infrastructure.