President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on 24 October 2025 introduced a new scheme that allows local government units (LGUs) to directly construct and repair classrooms using national government funds, aiming to address the country’s persistent classroom shortage.

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

“Kaya’t para pabilisin natin, we are changing the system. From now on, lahat ng LGU na may kapasidad, na may kaya, ida-download namin ang pondo sa LGU na. Kayo na ang magpatayo ng inyong eskuwelahan,” Marcos said.

("To speed things up, we are changing the system. From now on, all LGUs with capacity will receive the funds directly. You will be the ones to build your own schools.")

Under the current system, the Department of Education (DepEd) receives the budget for classroom construction and repair, which is then transferred to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for implementation. Marcos noted that this process often causes delays due to bureaucratic requirements for clearances and permits.

“This is closer coordination between the national government and the LGUs. This is part of the new scheme to accelerate the building of schoolrooms and school buildings so that we can make up for some of the shortages,” he added.

The President expressed confidence that LGU executives, given their administrative experience, could implement projects faster and at lower costs.

“Ako malakas ang loob ko sa mga LGU executives dahil hindi sila puwedeng mag-ghost project. Sisitahin kayong lahat,” Marcos said.

("I am confident in LGU executives because they cannot have ghost projects. Everyone will be inspected.")

He also warned against substandard work. “Hindi kayo puwedeng gawin substandard at pagka ginawa ninyo ‘yun, araw-araw ay minumura kayo ng mga constituents ninyo kung hindi tama ang trabaho ninyo,” he added.

("You cannot deliver substandard work. If you do, your constituents will criticize you daily.")

At the same time, Marcos assured that the national government would assist LGUs lacking the equipment and capacity to carry out classroom projects.

The move is part of his administration’s broader push to improve education infrastructure and ensure students have access to safe and adequate learning facilities nationwide.