The Department of Education (DepEd) completed only 192 classrooms, or about 3% of its target of 6,379 classrooms for 2023, according to the Commission on Audit’s (COA) annual report. This shortfall is primarily attributed to project modifications and realignments, which hindered progress.
The report indicates that 4,391 classrooms are still under construction, while 550 are awaiting various stages of procurement. Additionally, DepEd failed to meet its goal of delivering 580,394 pieces of school furniture, such as seats, by mid-2023. Contracts for these items were only finalized in December 2023, delaying their distribution.
The COA report also highlighted DepEd’s failure to achieve its classroom repair and rehabilitation targets, completing only 208 out of 7,550 classrooms. Of the remaining classrooms, 2,135 are under repair, and 5,207 are still pending procurement. The estimated cost of these projects under the Basic Education Facilities program is at least P816 million.
COA noted that while there was a high rate of obligations—valid commitments based on awarded contracts—this did not equate to actual project implementation or delivery of goods. The agency emphasized the need for DepEd to address issues that have caused delays to ensure that projects yield timely and effective results.
DepEd responded to the report by citing delays in the procurement process due to revisions and approval of technical specifications for school furniture. For classroom repairs, DepEd said that the responsibility had been shifted to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as per the 2023 national budget law, which caused further delays. The DPWH needed to conduct its own revalidation and planning after the transfer, contributing to the slowdown.
DepEd has outlined catch-up plans for the unutilized or underutilized budget allotments for 2023, focusing on school infrastructure, curriculum development, and administrative improvements.
Vice President Sara Duterte, who served as Education Secretary until June 2024, was succeeded by former Senator Sonny Angara on July 20, 2024. Angara has committed to addressing the issues raised in the COA report, emphasizing the importance of improving the learning environment by ensuring sufficient classroom facilities. He acknowledged the problems with low obligation rates and undelivered resources, promising to implement systemic changes to prevent further delays.