Philippines' Classroom Backlog Hits 146,000 in 2025
The Philippines' classroom backlog stands at a concerning 146,000 for 2025, with only 22 out of 1,700 targeted classrooms completed by the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH). The slow pace has raised alarm, with Secretary Vince Dizon vowing to investigate the delay and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. committing to construct 40,000 classrooms by 2028.
Currently, 822 classrooms are under construction, but 882 have yet to begin. The completion rate stands at 15.43%. From July 2022 to July 2025, 22,092 classrooms were built, reducing the backlog from around 165,443 to 146,708. However, if the current rate continues, the backlog is projected to reach 200,000 by 2028. Senator Bam Aquino has suggested downloading funds directly to local government units to speed up construction. The Department of Education (DepEd) attributes the slow pace to DPWH's heavy workload and leadership change.
With the classroom backlog a pressing issue, Secretary Dizon has promised to investigate the reasons for the delay. President Marcos Jr. has pledged to construct 40,000 classrooms during his term, aiming to address the growing need for educational infrastructure.
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