The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to incorporate basic education services into government housing projects across the country.
In a news release on Thursday, DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling highlighted that the MOU will establish coordination mechanisms between the two agencies, ensuring that education planning is integrated into both public and private housing projects. “Ang pagkakaroon ng maayos at sapat na silid-aralan o eskwelahan para sa ating mga kabataan ay tunay na makakatulong maiangat ang kalidad ng pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan na naninirahan dito (Having adequate and well-maintained classrooms or schools for our youth will truly help uplift the quality of life of our fellow citizens living in these communities),” he stated.
The agreement outlines that the agencies will work together in planning and allocating school lots and educational facilities within or near resettlement areas and public housing developments. It also includes updating Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) to better integrate educational infrastructure into urban planning and developing joint guidelines for local governments and private developers.
This initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-government approach to inclusive development, aiming to deliver education, shelter, and essential services together to improve the lives of underserved communities. Aliling emphasized that integrating education into housing developments is essential for upholding dignity and fostering long-term development.
DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara stressed the urgency of the initiative, asserting that no child should be left behind due to inaccessible schools. He noted that lasting solutions require collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and the private sector.
The agreement is valid for two years, with the possibility of renewal, and aims to synchronize the country’s shelter and education strategies effectively.