BONTOC, Mountain Province(PIA) — Learners in four municipalities of Mountain Province are set to benefit from improved school facilities following the signing of separate Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the local government units (LGUs) of Bontoc, Besao, Barlig, and Paracelis
The partnership paves the way for LGU-led construction and improvement of school infrastructure under the 2026 Basic Education Facilities Program and the DepEd Classroom Building Program, supporting the government’s efforts to provide safer and more conducive learning environments for public school students.
The projects include the construction of Mainit National High School in Bontoc, Besao National High School in Besao, the improvement of facilities at Lingoy-Chatol Elementary School in Barlig, and a new school building for Bacarri National Trade Agricultural School (BNTAS)-Main in Paracelis.
Mayors Franklin C. Odsey of Bontoc, Bryne O. Bacwaden of Besao, Clark C. Ngaya of Barlig and Dr. Marcos Ayangwa of Paracelis signed for their respective LGUs the MOA with DepEd officials at DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City on July 29, 2026.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara witnessed the signing ceremonies together with DepEd officials and representatives of partner agencies.
These projects are part of DepEd’s continuing education infrastructure initiatives aimed at expanding access to quality education through improved school facilities, creating a better learning environment.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his 5th State of the Nation Address on July 27, 2026, said that education remains the foremost priority of his administration and stressed that classroom construction should be prioritized.
The projects in Bontoc, Besao and Barlig are under the Basic Education Facilities Program, while the new school building for BNTAS-Main is funded under the 2026 DepEd Classroom Building Program.
Under the DepEd Classroom Building Program, priority schools are identified and validated based on classroom requirements before plans, designs, and technical specifications are prepared.
The concerned LGUs will undertake project implementation, procurement, bidding, and construction supervision.
Project funds will be released to the LGUs based on approved implementation milestones and in accordance with national procurement, building, and safety standards.
DepEd will retain technical oversight through validation, inspection, and monitoring to ensure that all school buildings comply with approved specifications and quality standards. **JDP/VJLT – PIA-CAR, Mountain Province
