The Department of Education (DepEd) welcomed the inauguration of the first fully air-conditioned public school building in San Pedro City, Laguna.

The Pacita 2 Elementary School’s new four-storey, 12-classroom building — the first of its kind in the Schools Division of San Pedro — was formally opened to learners and teachers, marking what officials described as a milestone in efforts to modernize public school facilities.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said studies consistently show that learners perform better when classrooms are conducive and comfortable, underscoring why the well-designed facility matters for teachers and students alike.

Rep. Ann Matibag of the 1st District of Laguna lauded Angara’s leadership in DepEd, noting that coordination with the department has become more streamlined and productive in recent months.

Meanwhile, Angara also cited the broader campaign to address the nationwide classroom backlog and resource delivery, noting that DepEd continues to adopt faster modes of construction, including leasing arrangements and partnerships with local government units and the private sector, to augment existing government efforts.

The DepEd chief said he remains hopeful that Congress will sustain the increases allocated for basic education, including school infrastructure projects.

In the Senate version of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill, DepEd has received an allocation of P85.44 billion for Basic Education Facilities, aimed at accelerating the construction and repair of classrooms and providing safer, more modern learning spaces.