Escudero urges National Gov’t to Fast-Track DPWH–DepEd–DA tripartite agreement

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called on the national government to advance the proposed tripartite agreement among the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Agriculture (DA), saying the framework will help accelerate development by empowering capable local government units (LGUs).

Escudero said the agreement aims to improve infrastructure, strengthen rural connectivity, and upgrade school facilities by prioritizing LGUs that meet key requirements. In a recent conversation with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, the senator was informed that LGUs will be selected based on their proven capacity to implement and complete projects, as well as their ability to maintain a stable peace and order situation.

“The national government should focus on LGUs that have demonstrated strong planning, effective execution, and the ability to maintain peace and order,” Escudero said, noting that capable local governments enable faster, more efficient, and more impactful national–local partnerships.

He encouraged LGUs to prepare for the initiative by strengthening their governance systems to meet the agreement’s requirements, allowing them to access greater support and deliver development programs more efficiently to their constituents.

Escudero expressed optimism after learning that Sorsogon is among the provinces that meet the criteria and could be prioritized under the tripartite model. He cited the province’s strong governance record and readiness to implement infrastructure projects.

From 2019 to 2022, during Escudero’s term as governor, Sorsogon completed major projects including the Sorsogon Coastal Road, rehabilitation of provincial and barangay roads during the pandemic, and peace and order initiatives through support for Barangay Development Projects under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC). These efforts helped create a stable environment conducive to development.

The senator said the tripartite framework can be replicated nationwide, provided LGUs meet the standards on capacity and peace and order, adding that the DPWH–DepEd–DA partnership may serve as a model for future inter-agency collaborations.

“This is how the Local Government Code envisioned development—strong national support matched with capable and empowered LGUs delivering results on the ground,” Escudero said. “When we invest in LGUs that are ready and proven, progress becomes faster, fairer, and felt by more Filipino families.”