MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) has tied up with the SM Group and foreign financial institution Deutsche Bank for the construction of school buildings worth over P17 million in an effort to address the backlog of classrooms in the country.

The agreement between DepEd and mall developer SM Prime calls for the construction of school buildings in Cavite, Davao City, General Santos City, Pampanga, Quezon, and Cebu City.

The project, which costs P10.8 million, will also include armchairs, teacher’s tables and chairs, wall fans and chalkboards.

On the other hand, SM Prime and Deutsche Bank pooled P2.150 million each (or P4.3 million) to build classrooms in Bulacan and Navotas City.

Meanwhile, SM Prime and BDO Foundation (also part of the SM Group), will jointly build a P2.2-million school building with furniture and materials for students in General Santos City.

All the three agreements will fall under the DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program, which enjoins private sector participation in public education.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said in a statement that they continue to welcome help from individuals and private businesses.