For many children in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities, access to education begins with something as basic as a classroom.

Through the Support to the Barangay Development Program (SBDP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) continues to bring quality education facilities closer to learners in insurgency-cleared barangays, helping create safer and more conducive environments for learning.

Under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., a total of 645 school building projects worth P2.36 billion have been funded through the SBDP, benefiting more than 714,000 residents across 628 barangays nationwide. These projects are expected to deliver 782 classrooms, expanding access to education in communities that have long faced geographic and development challenges.

To date, 629 classrooms have been completed. The remaining projects are in various stages of implementation, with 35 in pre-procurement, 42 under procurement, and 76 under construction.

The Department said the new school buildings provide students with safe and conducive spaces to learn, study, and pursue better opportunities for themselves and their families.

In Barangay Magsaysay, Dumaran, Palawan, a one-unit classroom building funded under the FY 2024 SBDP worth P2.5 million has transformed the learning experience of students.

“Noong wala pa pong room, nagkakasiksikan po, wala pong electric fan, wala pong kuryente, tapos maalinsangan po,” one student recalled.

Today, the difference is evident.

“Naging komportable na po ang pagkaklase namin, may kuryente na po, may electric fan po, okay na po siya kasi may bagong appliances na po. Hindi na po kami nadidistract dahil sa init.”

In Can-avid, Eastern Samar, a two-storey school building funded under the FY 2023 SBDP with an allocation of P6.61 million serves not only as a learning facility but also as an evacuation center during emergencies and disasters.

“Previously, when floods affected the school, students and teachers would lose equipment and materials. But now, this two-storey school building also functions as an evacuation site, protecting not only people but vital tools for learning,” Barangay Captain Elgino J. Jarabe expressed.

The SBDP reflects the Marcos administration’s commitment to delivering safe and adequate classrooms, even in formerly conflict-affected communities. Beyond the structures being built, the program is creating opportunities for young Filipinos to learn, thrive, and help shape the future of their communities.