Modern, comfortable classrooms signal DepEd’s push for better learning spaces under Marcos administration

Fog Blogs | Modern, comfortable classrooms signal DepEd’s push for better learning spaces under Marcos administration

SAN PEDRO CITY, LAGUNA — Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday welcomed the inauguration of the first fully air-conditioned public school building in San Pedro City, calling it a strong indication that sustained investment in basic education of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration is moving in the right direction.

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.

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.

“May mga scientific study na mas komportable ang mga learning environment, mas mataas ang score ng mga bata,” Angara said. “Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa modernized schools dito.”

“Pangitain po ito na we are doing the right thing, we are on the right track,” he added, noting that the development reflects the direction DepEd intends to pursue nationwide.

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.

“Maraming salamat po Sec. Sonny Angara. Sa karanasan ko po sa San Pedro, noong dumating si Sec. Sonny, talagang pinagmamalaki na mas napabilis ang ating pag-uusap, mas naging epektibo,” Rep. Matibag said.

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 LGUs and the private sector, to augment existing government efforts.

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

“Sana sa bicam (bicameral committee conference) tuloy tuloy. Kahit gusto nilang itaas ulit, tatanggapin po natin,” he said.

In the Senate version of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), 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.

The inauguration concluded with the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, unveiling of the building marker, and the blessing of the new structure, with local officials and DepEd representatives expressing optimism that the new facility will inspire better learning outcomes for San Pedro’s children.