The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to integrate education services into government housing projects, reinforcing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push for inter-agency cooperation in addressing social development issues.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara led the ceremonial signing aimed at institutionalizing coordination mechanisms between the two agencies. The agreement includes the planning and allocation of school lots within or near resettlement sites and housing developments, ensuring that Filipino families living in government housing have direct access to basic education.

“Ang pagkakaroon ng maayos at sapat na silid-aralan o eskwelahan para sa ating mga kabataan ay tunay na makakatulong maiangat ang kalidad ng pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan na naninirahan dito. Sabay po naming babalangkasin ang mga polisiya na nararapat at nauukol upang mas maging kapaki-pakinabang ang aming mga programa at proyektong Pabahay para sa pangangailangan ng mga kabataang Pilipino,” Secretary Aliling said.

The initiative aligns with the Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach to inclusive development, promoting convergence in the delivery of shelter, education, and basic services to uplift the lives of underserved communities.

Under the MOU, the DHSUD and DepEd will also coordinate on updating Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) and explore the issuance of joint guidelines to institutionalize education-housing linkages at the local level.

Aliling emphasized the constitutional importance of education, describing it as both a right and a foundation for nation-building.

“Kami po ay naniniwala na tulad ng karapatan na magkaroon ng disenteng tirahan ang edukasyon ay isa ring karapatan sa ilalim ng ating saligang batas, magiging sandata ng bawat kabataan para sa pagkakaroon ng maunlad na kinabukasan,” he added.

DepEd Secretary Angara echoed the urgency of the collaboration, saying the goal is to ensure that no child is denied education simply because schools are too far.

“I know, with the cooperation of the local governments with the private developers, with DHSUD, with DepEd, pag nagsama-sama; nag-usap po yan nang maayos, wala akong duda na magkakaroon tayo ng mabisang solusyon na pangmatagalan at para sa kabutihan ng ating mga pamilya at komunidad, at mag-aaral, mga guro, at lahat sa isang community,” Angara said.

The agreement will remain in effect for two years, with an option for renewal. Officials said it is envisioned to serve as a long-term framework for aligning the government’s shelter and education strategies nationwide.

Through the partnership, both agencies reiterated their commitment to building not just homes but inclusive communities where Filipino families — and their children — can live with dignity and hope.