Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Wednesday called on local government units (LGUs) to help speed up classroom delivery nationwide through a more flexible classroom construction mechanism.
Angara made the call during a dialogue with more than 200 city and municipal mayors.
“Kapag ang LGU ang nasa unahan ng implementasyon, mas mabilis nating naaabot ang mga paaralan na pinaka-nangangailangan (If LGUs will be at the forefront of the implementation, we can reach priority schools faster),” Angara said.
Under the flexible framework, the DepEd will identify priority schools in the country; provide classroom designs and technical specifications; approve and review plans and variation orders; secure validation and inspections; and release project funds in tranches.
For its part, the LGUs will lead the implementation from procurement to construction in adherence with national laws and DepEd-standard designs.
They will also be in charge of managing construction defects at their own expense if DepEd standards and specifications were not met.
Once classroom constructions are completed, buildings will be considered as DepEd assets but will be under joint monitoring and audit to ensure quality.
For LGUs to participate, eligibility requirements must be submitted to the DepEd.
These include a letter of intent signifying the commitment to implement classroom projects; authority from the Sangguniang Bayan, Panlungsod, or Panlalawigan to enter into a memorandum of agreement with DepEd; and proof of site ownership or the right to use the school site, such as proof of deed, a tax declaration, or a deed of usufruct.
Meanwhile, Angara said constructions that are still under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be monitored more regularly.
“Mas regular na yung meetings namin. May ginawa kaming (Our meetings are more regular. We have formed a) Technical Working Group at least once or twice, nagmi-meeting na kami (we are conducting meetings),” he said.
Prior to the operation of the TWG, Angara said progress reports on classroom construction from the DPWH may take up to four to five months or more. (PNA)