Surigao del sur: Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel hailed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s announcement of a new scheme to establish and construct school buildings. During the turnover of 71 patient transport vehicles in the city on Friday, the President announced plans to repair and build new classrooms to address delays in school projects overseen by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos stated that the new system will involve transferring funds to local government units (LGUs) for the repair and construction of school buildings. Governor Pimentel expressed his gratitude, stating, "Thank you, Mr. President. This is a very good scheme and rest assured that we will support you." He made these comments during an interview at the sidelines of the event.

Pimentel also mentioned that, together with other governors and local chief executives, they have been planning to raise the issue with the President during his upcoming visit. "We are aware of the situation in our provinces. We know which barangays need school buildings, the school facilities damaged by the earthquakes, and how many classrooms are needed," Pimentel said.

He appreciated the confidence expressed by the President in local chief executives to accelerate the completion of school building projects in their respective areas. "The local chief executives know more than the DPWH of what we need in our provinces," Pimentel added.

The governor assured the public that there will be no "ghost projects" once the construction of school buildings is transferred to the LGUs. "Rest assured that there will be no ghost projects as we ourselves will be the ones to implement this new scheme in the construction of school buildings," Pimentel concluded.