BUTUAN CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced that the government is adopting a new scheme allowing local government units (LGUs) to construct and repair classrooms using national government funding to accelerate the implementation of school infrastructure projects.

Speaking during the handover of patient transport vehicles (PTVs) in Butuan City, the President said the initiative aims to speed up classroom construction and rehabilitation to address the nationwide shortage and support post-disaster recovery efforts.

“Kaya’t para pabilisin natin, we are changing the system. From now on, lahat ng LGU na may kapasidad, na may kaya, ida-download namin ang pondo sa LGU na. Kayo na ang magpatayo ng inyong eskuwelahan,” Marcos said.

Currently, the Department of Education (DepEd) receives the budget for classroom projects, which is then downloaded to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for implementation. The President noted that the process often results in delays due to bureaucratic requirements such as clearances and permits.

“This is a closer coordination between the national government and the LGUs. This is part of that new scheme that we have to accelerate the building of schoolrooms, school buildings, so that we will achieve at least partway ang naging kulang sa ating mga schoolroom, sa ating mga school building,” he added.

Marcos expressed confidence that local chief executives can carry out projects faster and at lower costs because of their administrative experience and accountability to their constituents.

“Ako malakas ang loob ko sa mga LGU executives dahil hindi sila puwedeng mag-ghost project. Sisitahin kayong lahat. Hindi kayo puwedeng gawin substandard at pagka ginawa ninyo ‘yun, araw-araw ay minumura kayo ng mga constituents ninyo kung hindi tama ang trabaho ninyo,” the President said.

He also assured that the national government will assist LGUs that lack the necessary equipment or capacity to implement classroom construction and repair projects.

According to Marcos, the new scheme will likewise expedite the rehabilitation of schools damaged by recent earthquakes.