The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday formalized a partnership with the Land Registration Authority (LRA) to address long-standing issues with untitled properties that often hinder infrastructure projects.

The partnership aims to convert manually issued land titles under DepEd into electronic titles — a pivotal step in addressing the perennial issue of classroom backlog.

By securing land titles, DepEd aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays, ensuring that schools can be built on legally secured properties.

“We can see that the lack of title signifies lack of security or [lack of] a secured future because it is here that the construction of new classrooms starts,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said during the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement with LRA.

LRA Administrator Gerardo Panga Sirios underscored the partnership’s importance in safeguarding assets for future generations.

“This event will help not only the Department of Education in securing its assets but also securing the future of our youth because with these assets, this is where schools will be located, and with the schools, we can provide quality education to our youth,” Sirios said.