Seeking to bolster public trust in its multibillion-peso school infrastructure program, the Department of Education (DepEd) has enlisted the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) as an independent observer to monitor the implementation of its public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on Tuesday, authorizes the BCBP to independently observe key stages of the department's flagship Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP), from project development and procurement to implementation and monitoring.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said independent oversight would help reinforce transparency and accountability in delivering school facilities.

"Transparency and accountability are essential in ensuring that every program we implement delivers meaningful results for our learners. This partnership strengthens our commitment to good governance and reinforces public confidence in our education initiatives," Angara said.

Under the agreement, the BCBP will serve as a third-party observer, reviewing project implementation and submitting recommendations aimed at improving governance, identifying potential risks and strengthening accountability mechanisms.

The agreement also includes provisions on conflict of interest, confidentiality and non-participation in procurement activities, ensuring that the organization's role remains limited to independent observation.

However, DepEd emphasized that BCBP will not take part in procurement decisions, bid evaluations or contract awards, safeguards intended to preserve the integrity and independence of the government's bidding process.

BCBP Chairman Luis Jose P. Ferrer said the organization is committed to promoting ethical leadership and responsible public-private partnerships that support nation-building.

The partnership supports the implementation of the Public-Private Partnership Code of the Philippines, the New Government Procurement Act and other laws governing government infrastructure projects.

Data from Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) shows the Philippines faces a backlog of at least 165,000 classrooms, with the shortage expected to climb to 219,000 by 2028 if construction fails to keep pace with enrollment growth, aging facilities and disaster-related damage. 

The commission also warned that more than 51,000 existing classrooms are projected to be condemned by 2028 after reaching 50 years of age, underscoring the urgency of accelerating classroom construction while ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and transparently.###