DepEd Unveils First Fully Air-Conditioned Public School in the Philippines

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday inaugurated the country’s first fully air-conditioned public school building, marking a significant step toward modernizing basic education facilities. Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the inauguration at Pacita Complex II Elementary School in San Pedro City, Laguna.

The newly completed four-story structure houses 12 classrooms and is the first fully air-conditioned public school building in the San Pedro division. Angara described the project as a milestone in DepEd’s efforts to improve the learning environment for students while addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps in public schools.

Angara emphasized that the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce the nationwide classroom shortage. He noted that DepEd is increasingly adopting faster and more flexible construction approaches, including public-private partnerships, leasing arrangements, and stronger collaboration with local government units.

The education chief also highlighted the agency’s strengthened focus on disaster preparedness, citing the increased budget for the Disaster Preparedness and Response Program (DPRP), which now stands at ₱3.77 billion. He said DepEd has rolled out several safety initiatives, including the PlanSmart for Safe Schools digital platform, the M7X School Ready Program for earthquake preparedness along the West Valley Fault, and the Safer Learning Facilities Guidebook to promote resilient school design.

In addition, DepEd has expanded learning recovery and continuity programs such as the Dynamic Learning Program, EduKahon kits, and Learning Continuity Spaces to help schools regain lost instructional time.

Angara also pointed to the growing role of the information technology and business process management sectors in classroom modernization. He cited the recent donation of more than 900 laptops by Cognizant Technology Solutions Philippines Inc. to support digital learning initiatives.

“Our goal is to ensure that students are digitally equipped,” Angara said. “We are now entering the age of artificial intelligence, where industries and methods of work will rapidly evolve. Filipino learners must be ready and not left behind.”