Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd) for a P200 million fund to construct new classrooms in public schools across Cebu Province. The signing took place at the DepEd Central Office in Makati City on July 11, 2026, as announced on the Public Information Office Facebook page.
Witnessed by DepEd officials
DepEd Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera and Assistant Secretary Aurelio Paulo R. Bartolome witnessed the signing. The funding comes from the 2026 General Appropriations Act under the Basic Education Facilities Program, a national infrastructure initiative led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara to reduce the nationwide classroom shortage of 145,000.
Responsibilities divided
The agreement divides project responsibilities: DepEd handles technical standards and fund distribution, while the Cebu Provincial Government procures materials and manages construction of school buildings.
According to a SunStar Cebu report on July 9, data submitted to the Cebu Provincial Board shows the province lacks 5,466 classrooms. Cebu Province Schools Division Superintendent Senen Priscilo Paulin stated that the province has 14,183 classrooms, but 6,261 need minor repairs and 4,155 need major repairs. The classroom shortage extends across Central Visayas, totaling 10,845 classrooms.
