They also requested the return of funds for classroom projects that have not materialized.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 21, the Department of Education (DepEd) did not mince its words and slammed the previous leadership at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
This message was posted after it was revealed by incumbent DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon that only 22 classrooms out of 1700 were ever built in the past year.
“Sobra na, tama na! Classroom budget, ibalik sa DepEd sa 2026!,” the heading read.
“Hindi katanggap-tanggap na 22 classrooms lang ang nagawa sa ilalim ng nakaraang pamunuan ng DPWH, sa kabila ng pondong ibinigay at tulong mula sa DepEd,” the first paragraph read.
The Education department then declared that pointing fingers and excuses must stop and instead, funding for these classroom projects must be returned to the agency, which they will disburse to other partners.
“Tama na ang palusot. Kaya ngayong 2026, pondo para sa classrooms ibibigay ng DepEd sa mga Local Government Units (LGUs), AFP Corps of Engineers, o sa pribadong sektor.“
DepEd added, “Sisikapin namin ng bagong pamunuan ng DPWH na tuparin ang direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos na maipatayo ang 40,000 classrooms bago matapos ang 2028.”
In his separate statements, Education Sec. Sonny Angara also expressed his personal disgust over the situation.
“Mukhang nawili sila doon sa flood control, sa totoo lang. Matamaan na kung sinong matamaan, pero parang hindi na naging priority yung pagtayo ng classrooms,” noted the official.
He furthered, “Gusto na talaga naming baguhin ang sistema. Kasi sa ngayon, DPWH lang ang may kapangyarihang gumawa ng DepEd classrooms. Ang gusto namin, pati LGUs, puwede na rin. Sa tingin ko, mas bibilis talaga ang proseso.”
Despite his disappointment in the prior DPWH admin, Angara said that he is confident in the leadership of incumbent Public Works Sec. Vince Dizon, citing the latter’s quick response in light of the recent calamities that damaged schools im various provinces.