Manila, Sept. 3 -- Education Secretary Sonny Angara is pushing for a new policy that would allow local government units (LGUs) to directly handle classroom construction, a move aimed at accelerating projects and reducing backlogs.

At the House Committee on Appropriations hearing on Wednesday, Angara said the plan would lessen reliance on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), cut bureaucratic delays, and tap local expertise to deliver school infrastructure faster.

"Every classroom we add brings hope and opportunity to learners. But delay in construction means children wait longer than they should. That is why we are looking for ways to build faster and smarter, with partners who are closest to the ground," he said.

Under t...