DepEd inaugurates PHL's first fully air-conditioned public school building in Laguna

The Department of Education (DepEd) inaugurated Pacita 2 Elementary School in San Pedro, Laguna, featuring the country's first fully air-conditioned public school building.

This four-storey building contains 12 classrooms and is part of DepEd's nationwide initiative to enhance learning environments.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted that improved classroom conditions are linked to better academic performance and that DepEd is committed to modernizing public schools.

The department is also actively addressing the national classroom shortage through diverse strategies such as accelerated construction, local partnerships, leasing, and private sector collaborations.

DepEd is awaiting the final approval of the 2026 national budget, which includes P85.44 billion for Basic Education Facilities in the Senate's version of the General Appropriations Bill.

Additionally, DepEd is strengthening its Disaster Preparedness and Response Program, with the Senate increasing its budget to P3.77 billion.

The agency recently adopted the PlanSmart for Safe Schools web application and rolled out the M7X School Ready Program to certify earthquake-ready schools, and issued the Safer Learning Facilities Guidebook.

DepEd also expanded the Dynamic Learning Program, EduKahon kits, and Learning Continuity Spaces to help schools recover instructional time.