President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday introduced a new scheme that would empower local government units (LGUs) to directly construct and repair classrooms using national government funds, aimed at accelerating the efforts to address the country’s persistent classroom shortage.

Speaking during the handover of patient transport vehicles (PTVs) in Butuan City, Marcos said the initiative would also support post-disaster recovery, particularly the rehabilitation of classrooms damaged during the recent earthquakes.

“So, to speed things up, we are changing the system. From now on, all LGUs that have the capacity and capability will receive the funds directly. You will be the ones to build your own schools,” he said.

Under the current system, the Department of Education receives the budget for classroom construction and repair, which is then transferred to the Department of Public Works and Highways for implementation.

Marcos said this process often leads to delays due to bureaucratic requirements for clearances and permits.

Tighter coordination

“This is a closer coordination between the national government and the LGUs. This is part of that new scheme that we have to accelerate the building of schoolrooms, school buildings,” he added.

The President expressed confidence that local executives, given their administrative experience, could implement projects more quickly and at lower cost.