# School Building and Furniture Standards: DO 022, s. 2026

DO 022, s. 2026 sets DepEd's building and furniture standards from FY 2027: 63 sq m rooms for 40 learners, 340 kph roofs, toilets, colors and furniture.

This is the Markdown copy of [School Building and Furniture Standards: DO 022, s. 2026](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-school-building-furniture-standards), an article on the NASH Reviewer Blog by Mark Anthony Llego, published Nov 9, 2026. Topics: School leadership, Aspiring school heads. NASH Reviewer is an independent practice platform not affiliated with DepEd, BHROD, or NEAP.

DepEd's minimum standards for new public school buildings and school furniture are now set by [DepEd Order (DO) No. 022, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/09/24/september-24-2026-do-022-s-2026-enhanced-minimum-performance-standards-and-specifications-for-deped-school-infrastructure-and-school-furniture/), the Enhanced Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications for DepEd School Infrastructure and School Furniture, signed by Secretary Sonny Angara on September 24, 2026. They apply to school infrastructure and furniture projects "funded under Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 appropriations and thereafter, provided that the procurement process has not yet commenced" when the order took effect, "regardless of funding source" (paras. 2 and 5). The order repeals [DO 64, s. 2017](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2017/12/15/do-64-s-2017-establishing-the-minimum-performance-standards-and-specifications-for-deped-school-buildings/) and [DO 006, s. 2021](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2021/02/08/february-8-2021-do-006-s-2021-re-establishment-of-minimum-performance-standards-and-specifications-for-deped-school-buildings-using-alternative/) "in their entirety" (para. 4), but projects funded under FY 2026 appropriations, or already in procurement, stay under those two orders (para. 6).

The standard classroom stays at 63 square meters (7 m x 9 m), now recommended for 40 learners or fewer. It gets windows equal to at least 20% of the floor area, four ceiling fans and two wall fans, at least six LED lighting units and a laminate whiteboard as well as the chalkboard. Buildings are designed for 340 kph winds, with mandatory roof insulation, raised floors on flood-prone sites, one toilet for every 20 to 25 girls, ramps no steeper than 1:20 and tactile paving. One color scheme applies to every funder, with door colors that show who funded the building. Unlike the orders it replaces, it also sets standards for school furniture.

Rooms planned for 40 learners also change the arithmetic of the classroom shortage. In the EDCOM II classroom data (SY 2024-25 learners, 2023 rooms), bringing every public school down to 45 learners per room would take 51,682 more classrooms; bringing it down to 40 would take 75,807, or 46.7% more.

## Key findings

- **Which projects it covers.** DO 022, s. 2026 governs projects funded under FY 2027 appropriations and later whose procurement had not commenced when it took effect, from any funding source. Procurement commences when the Invitation to Bid is posted or advertised, or a Request for Quotation or other procurement notice is issued (paras. 2 and 5). FY 2026 projects keep the DO 64, s. 2017 and DO 006, s. 2021 standards and need no redesign (para. 6).
- **Classrooms.** A 63-square-meter room "can accommodate 40–45 learners" if its exit doors are properly sized (Encl., Sec. VI.A.2.a); Table 1.0 recommends "≤ 40 learners (1.58 sq.m./student)". Space per learner "must not go below 1.20 sq.m." even on very small sites (Sec. VI.A.2.c).
- **Air and light.** Windows must equal at least 10 square meters or 20% of the floor area, "whichever is greater" (Sec. VI.A.4.a). Each classroom gets at least two wall-mounted oscillating fans and four ceiling fans, vents kept clear for 10 to 12 air changes an hour, indoor temperatures of 26°C to 30°C, and 300 to 500 lux at desk level (Secs. VI.A.3.b and c).
- **Built for disasters.** School buildings are "Essential Facilities" designed for 340 kph winds and Seismic Zone 4, with R15 roof insulation, a 25-year design life and a soil investigation for every two-story building (Secs. VI.B.1, B.3, B.4, B.6, B.8 and B.9).
- **Toilets and access.** New buildings need one water closet per 20 to 25 girls and one per 25 to 30 boys on each floor, at least one accessible toilet per building, ramps at least 1.20 m wide at a gradient of 1:20 and tactile paving (Table 5.0; Secs. VI.F.1 and F.2).
- **Colors and walls.** Every new building has a Baguio Green roof, Ivory White exterior walls and Cream interior walls; doors, window jambs and exterior columns are Palmyra Green for DepEd, Dark Brown for "DepEd LMS", Dark Blue for "PPP, CSO, ODA" and Dark Green for "LGU Implemented" (Table 2.0). Classrooms carry no added posters or decorations; donors are thanked with a brass marker "not exceeding 0.60 m (width) x 1.0 m (height)" (Sec. VI.A.6.d).
- **Furniture.** DepEd's approved furniture specifications are mandatory ("Compliance is mandatory"), and furniture must meet the neutral-desk law, RA 11394, and the 20% bamboo rule of Executive Order No. 879, s. 2010 (Sec. VII).

## Which projects follow DO 022, s. 2026

The order takes effect "fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation", and certified copies are registered with the Office of the National Administrative Register (para. 9). Announcing the order on September 29, 2026, DepEd said the new standards begin with FY 2027: "Magsisimula ang mga bagong pamantayan sa Fiscal Year (FY) 2027" ([DepEd press release](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/09/29/deped-bagong-pampublikong-paaralan-dapat-pwd-accessible-at-disaster-resilient/)). The exact date matters mostly for FY 2027 projects procured early, before the 2027 budget is enacted: a project whose Invitation to Bid went out before the order took effect stays under the old standards (para. 6). The Schools Division Office or the Education Facilities Division (EFD) can confirm the date.

Two facts decide which standards a project follows: the year of the appropriation that funds it, and whether its procurement had commenced when DO 022 took effect.

| Project | Standards | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Funded under FY 2026 appropriations | DO 64, s. 2017 and DO 006, s. 2021, "as applicable" | Para. 6 |
| Any project whose procurement had commenced or was completed before DO 022 took effect | DO 64, s. 2017 and DO 006, s. 2021 | Para. 6 |
| Funded under FY 2027 appropriations or later, procurement not yet commenced | DO 022, s. 2026 | Para. 5 |
| Early procurement for FY 2027 funding, not yet commenced | DO 022, s. 2026: the designs, programs of works, unit price analyses and specifications "shall conform" | Para. 7 |

For a project that stays under the old orders, approved designs need not be redone. Such projects "shall not be required to revise or redesign approved Detailed Architectural and Engineering Designs (DAEDs), Program of Works (POWs), Detailed Unit Price Analyses (DUPAs), technical specifications, or other technical documents solely to comply with these Enhanced MPSS" (para. 6). The order repeats these rules in its effectivity and transitory provisions (Encl., Sec. XII).

The funding source does not change the answer. The standards apply to all DepEd school infrastructure and furniture projects "regardless of funding source, including those implemented in cooperation or partnership with other government agencies and instrumentalities, the private sector, development agencies, and other entities" (para. 2). A classroom built by a city with its own Special Education Fund, by a corporation through Adopt-a-School or by a foreign donor follows the same standards as one built from DepEd's budget (Encl., Sec. IX.a). The transitory rules do not name projects charged to appropriations before FY 2026, or projects charged to none, such as a donor's own building; Sec. IX.a requires every school building design, whatever its funding, to comply with DO 022. The proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program funds the construction of 6,587 new classrooms and proposes PHP 30.55 billion for the Basic Education Facilities Fund ([The POST, August 19, 2026](https://thepost.net.ph/news/nation/over-6-5k-new-classrooms-to-be-funded-under-proposed-2027-budget/)); unless their procurement commenced before DO 022 took effect, those classrooms are built to it.

![Illustration: which standards apply to a school building project. Step 1: which year's budget funds the project? FY 2026: DO 64, s. 2017 and DO 006, s. 2021, and approved designs, programs of works, unit price analyses and specifications need not be redesigned (para. 6). FY 2027 or later: step 2, had procurement commenced before DO 022 took effect? Procurement commences when the Invitation to Bid is posted or advertised, a Request for Quotation is issued, or another procurement notice goes out. Yes: DO 64 and DO 006. No: DO 022, s. 2026, and early procurement for FY 2027 projects must also follow it (para. 7). Notes: every funding source is covered; the order takes effect fifteen days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation; the Education Facilities Division reviews designs and the Secretary or an authorized representative approves them.](https://nash.com.ph/blog/_astro/do22-2-which-rule.DPPqxCUe_Z1O8elF.webp)

*Figure 1. Which standards apply to a school building project. Illustration by Mark Anthony Llego, based on DO 022, s. 2026, paras. 2 and 4 to 9, and Encl., Secs. IX and XII.*

The scope covers "the planning, design, construction, improvement, retrofitting, repair, and rehabilitation of public elementary and secondary school buildings and school furniture" (Encl., Sec. II). Repairs and retrofits funded from FY 2027 therefore follow the new standards too. No provision requires existing buildings to be rebuilt to them.

## What DO 022 replaces

DO 64, s. 2017 set DepEd's Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications (MPSS) for school buildings, and DO 006, s. 2021 set a second set for buildings of alternative construction materials. DO 022 merges both into one "unified technical reference for the architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and sanitary disciplines" (para. 2) and adds furniture. Announcing it, Secretary Angara said: "Having one unified standard makes it easier for our partners and project engineers to build right the first time. Proper airflow, ergonomic seats, and barrier-free pathways are not luxury add-ons, but basic prerequisites for effective learning" ([DepEd press release, September 29, 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/09/29/deped-bagong-pampublikong-paaralan-dapat-pwd-accessible-at-disaster-resilient/)). Alternative materials and construction systems remain allowed when the DPWH Bureau of Research and Standards or the Accreditation of Innovative Technologies for Housing (AITECH) accredits them (Encl., Secs. VI.B.10.a and IX.e). They may be used where conventional materials are "impractical or logistically challenging, or where accelerated construction timelines are necessary" (Sec. IX.f). A new technology needs at least five years of documented performance, or certified prototype testing and third-party validation (Sec. VI.B.10.d).

| Element | DO 64, s. 2017 | DO 022, s. 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Classroom | 7.00 m x 9.00 m, from wall centers (Sec. V.a) | 63 sq m, recommended for 40 learners or fewer (Table 1.0) |
| Windows | At least 10 sq m | At least 10 sq m or 20% of the floor area, whichever is greater |
| Corridors | 1.50 m (single-story); 2.50 m (multi-story) | 2.50 m in all buildings |
| Ramps | Slope of 1:12 at most | 1.20 m wide; 1:20 (1:15 in special cases) |
| Fans | Two oscillating ceiling fans | Two wall-mounted and four ceiling fans |
| Lighting | Six double 36-watt T5 fluorescent lamps | At least six double 32-watt LED units; 300 to 500 lux |
| Boards | Built-in chalkboard, 4.88 m x 1.22 m | Built-in chalkboard and whiteboard, each 4.88 m x 1.22 m, with provision for digital boards |
| Wind design | 250 kph basic wind speed | 340 kph, wind importance factor 1.15 |
| Roofing | 0.40 mm base metal thickness | 0.50 mm, Z40 coating; R15 insulation mandatory; slope 15° to 25° |
| Fire protection | Fire Code, including "an automatic sprinkler system (NFPA 13)" | Fire Code; systems "may include" alarms, standpipes, tanks, hoses and extinguishers |
| Colors | Foam Green roofing, Palmyra Green doors, beige walls | Baguio Green roofing, Ivory White and Cream walls, door color by funding source |
| Furniture | Not covered | Mandatory specifications (Sec. VII) |
| School head | With the PTA, "Accepts completed school buildings" and checks items against the program of works (Sec. X) | None in the text |

*Sources: DO 64, s. 2017, Secs. V to X; DO 022, s. 2026, Encl., Secs. VI and VII.*

DO 006, s. 2021 had already raised the wind design to 340 kph and the roofing to 0.50 mm for buildings of alternative materials, with R8 insulation under cathedral-type ceilings. DO 022 makes those figures the rule for every building, makes roof insulation mandatory and raises it to R15 (Sec. VI.B.8.g). The [guide to the 2010 Educational Facilities Manual](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-educational-facilities-manual) compares all three texts with the manual, item by item.

## How big a DepEd classroom is, and for how many learners

The order keeps the 7 m x 9 m room. "A 63 sq.m. classroom (7.00 m x 9.00 m) can accommodate 40–45 learners, provided that exit doors are properly sized, located, and sufficient for the maximum number of occupants" (Encl., Sec. VI.A.2.a). It cites two code minimums, "1.80 sq.m. per student" under the National Building Code and "1.90 sq.m. per student" under the Fire Code for exit loads, which for 63 square meters work out to 35 and 33 learners. The order's own figures are lower: 1.58 square meters per learner at 40 and 1.40 at 45. It notes that the minimums are "used primarily for occupant load and life-safety calculations".

Table 1.0 then sets a floor area and a recommended occupancy for each kind of room.

![Horizontal bar chart of minimum floor areas and recommended occupancy by room type under DO 022, s. 2026, Table 1.0. Technical-vocational workshop: 120 square meters for 30 to 35 learners. Learning resource center or library: 90 square meters for 30 to 40 users. Science or computer laboratory: 72 square meters for 40 or fewer. Instructional or academic room: 63 square meters for 40 or fewer, 1.58 square meters each. SPED room: 56 square meters for 25 to 30 learners. Kindergarten classroom: 54 square meters for 25 to 30 learners.](https://nash.com.ph/blog/_astro/do22-room-sizes._FRYN6eZ_Z1PdThI.webp)

*Figure 2. Minimum floor area and recommended occupancy by room type. Data: DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2026, Encl., Table 1.0 (printed values). Chart: © 2026 Mark Anthony Llego, NASH Reviewer. [Download the full-resolution chart (PNG)](https://nash.com.ph/blog/charts/school-leadership/do22-room-sizes.png) or [its data (CSV)](https://nash.com.ph/blog/charts/school-leadership/do22-room-sizes.csv).*

For the standard classroom, Table 1.0 explains: "While the floor area per student is slightly below the FCP ideal, it remains compliant with NBCP and FCP provisions for occupant load and is adopted for practical classroom planning." The order thus states the room's capacity three ways: 40 to 45 learners in the text, 40 or fewer in Table 1.0, and a floor load for a "Maximum 45 students" in the structural table (Table 4.0). None of them caps class size. DO 022 sets how rooms are built and the occupancy they are designed for; how many learners a class has depends on enrollment and the rooms a school has. For senior high school, [DO 017, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/06/04/june-4-2026-do-017-s-2026-strengthened-senior-high-school-curriculum/) sets a maximum class size of 40 learners in core subjects, 25 in technical-professional electives and 30 in academic electives, though schools that cannot comply because of high enrollment or limited facilities may run larger classes (para. 23).

Three more rules shape the room:

- **Two exits above 50.** "When the classroom occupant load exceeds 50 persons, the design shall provide two remote exits/doorways" (Sec. VI.A.2.b). Every classroom gets two doors anyway (Sec. VI.A.4.b).
- **Smaller rooms only with approval.** On very small sites, the space per learner "must not go below 1.20 sq.m." (Sec. VI.A.2.c). Reduced rooms are allowed "in constrained urban sites" on the recommendation of the division engineer or architect and with the SDS's approval, and "Any reduction in classroom size shall clearly indicate the maximum allowable number of learners" (Sec. VI.A.2.d). Under DO 006, s. 2021, the school head concurred in such a reduction; DO 022 leaves the school head out.
- **Air and floor space.** Classrooms must give "at least 3.00 cu.m." of air space per person and at least 1.00 square meter of floor area per occupant (Sec. VI.A.3).

## What the standard classroom must have

![Illustration: floor plan of a standard 7 m x 9 m DepEd classroom under DO 022, s. 2026, beside a 2.50 m corridor. Windows on both long walls, at least 20% of the floor area and never below 10 square meters, operable louver or awning type with louvers or transoms at least 0.30 m high above, and no curtains that block air. Two doors, each at least 0.90 m by 2.10 m, swinging outward. A chalkboard and a laminate whiteboard, each 4.88 m by 1.22 m. At least six LED lighting units, four ceiling fans and at least two wall-mounted oscillating fans. At most four convenience outlets, on the windowless walls, at least 0.45 m above the floor. A rechargeable emergency lamp with at least 90 minutes of light. Ceiling at least 2.70 m high. 63 square meters, recommended for 40 learners or fewer.](https://nash.com.ph/blog/_astro/do22-1-classroom.B9CPAdlP_ZKSqfr.webp)

*Figure 3. The standard classroom under DO 022, s. 2026. Illustration by Mark Anthony Llego, based on DO 022, s. 2026, Encl., Secs. VI.A.2 to VI.A.6 and VI.C.1.*

| Feature | Standard | Encl., Sec. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ceiling | At least 2.70 m clear, drop or cathedral type, non-combustible or fire-retardant | VI.A.3.a |
| Windows | Bilateral, "preferably operable louver- or awning-type"; at least 10 sq m or 20% of the floor area, whichever is greater; fixed louvers or transoms at least 0.30 m high above them | VI.A.3.b; VI.A.4.a |
| Curtains | Air vents and openings kept clear of "curtains, blinds, draperies, cabinets", for at least 10 to 12 air changes per hour | VI.A.3.c; VI.A.4.a.5 |
| Fans | At least two wall-mounted oscillating fans and four ceiling fans of at least 16 inches; indoor temperature 26°C to 30°C | VI.A.3.c |
| Lighting | 300 to 500 lux at desk level; at least six double 32-watt LED units of at least 2,000 lumens per lamp, daylight color | VI.A.3.b |
| Doors | Two, each at least 0.90 m x 2.10 m clear, swinging outward at 180°, with keyed lever-type locksets; "PVC and wooden flush doors are not recommended" | VI.A.4.b |
| Floor | Plain cement with a non-skid, grayish finish, or light-colored tiles; 25 mm above the corridor, sloped for wheelchairs; a first-floor finish elevation of 225 mm (single-story) or 325 mm (multi-story), higher where floods have occurred | VI.A.5.a |
| Walls | Partitions from floor to beam; at least 45 dB of noise separation between rooms | VI.A.5.b |
| Boards | Built-in chalkboard and laminate whiteboard, each 4.88 m x 1.22 m; provision for digital or interactive boards | VI.A.6.b |
| Outlets | Grounding-type duplex outlets on the windowless walls, at most four per classroom, at least 0.45 m above the floor | VI.C.1.a and b |
| Emergency lamp | LED rechargeable, at least two light sources, at least 90 minutes of light | VI.C.1.c |
| Circuits | 60 A main breaker; 20 A each for lighting, fans and outlets | VI.C.2.c |

Corridors are at least 2.50 m wide in single- and multi-story buildings, with steel railings at least 1.50 m high on upper floors; ground-level corridors within 0.30 m of grade have bench-type rails (Sec. VI.A.5.d). Stairs in multi-story buildings are at least 1.50 m wide, with treads of at least 0.30 m, tactile strips at the top and bottom steps, handrails on both sides and no open stringers. Every multi-story building needs at least one separate fire exit stair at least 1.20 m wide, or two stairways at opposite ends, and no point may be more than 30 m from an exit without sprinklers (Sec. VI.A.5.c).

## Built for typhoons, earthquakes and floods

"School buildings are classified as Essential Facilities and shall remain structurally safe and functional after major disasters" (Encl., Sec. VI.B.1.c). Recent disasters show why. DepEd estimated that the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Maasim, Sarangani, in June 2026 totally destroyed 2,631 classrooms, about P9.21 billion to replace, and caused major structural damage to 2,945 more ([Daily Tribune, June 25, 2026](https://tribune.net.ph/2026/06/25/sarangani-quake-leaves-p13-b-damage-to-classrooms)). By late August, the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones had damaged 9,597 classrooms in 1,594 schools ([Daily Tribune, August 24, 2026](https://tribune.net.ph/2026/08/24/nearly-9600-classrooms-damaged-by-monsoon-cyclones-deped)).

| Hazard | Standard | Encl., Sec. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Wind | 340 kph, wind importance factor 1.15; provision for storm shutters; envelope sealed against rain; roof slope 15° to 25°; overhangs at most 0.80 m; trusses anchored with M16 bolts at most 1.2 m apart | VI.B.3 |
| Roof | Steel trusses for 340 kph, 2.5 m to 3.0 m apart; 0.50 mm long-span roofing with Z40 coating; C-purlins at most 0.50 m apart; R15 insulation mandatory; ridge vents | VI.B.8 |
| Earthquake | Seismic Zone 4, zone factor 0.4, "equivalent to a magnitude 8.0 earthquake"; importance factor 1.5; ductile detailing; seismic joints every 20 m to 25 m | VI.B.4.a to d |
| Flood | Floor at least 0.20 m above the highest flood level where flooding has been severe; on high-risk sites, floors 0.60 m to 1.0 m above grade, or 2.0 m to 4.0 m above mean sea level where storm surges occur | VI.B.4.f; VI.B.6.c.2 |
| Soil | 100 kPa bearing capacity on normal sites; soil investigation by an independent firm for every two-story building; footings at least 600 mm thick; micropiles or mat foundations on hazard-prone sites | VI.B.6 |
| Walls | On high-risk sites: 200 mm walls for two-story buildings and in typhoon, coastal or seismic zones, and reinforced concrete parapets 1.0 m to 1.2 m high | VI.B.7.b |
| Design life | At least 25 years | VI.B.9 |

Sites must also be safe before anything is built. Proponents check hazard records from agencies such as PHIVOLCS and DENR-MGB, follow local zoning and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and reach the site by "a permanent and passable road at least 6.0 m wide". At least 30% of the site stays open and may not be used for parking. New schools should preferably have a perimeter fence at least 2.0 m high (Sec. VI.A.1). Each new school site needs an open evacuation area sized at 1.5 square meters per person of its peak population, preferably at least 1.5 times the height of the nearest building away from it (Sec. VI.A.1.g).

Electrical service enters at least 1.60 m above the ground or 0.30 m above the high flood level, whichever is higher (Sec. VI.C.3), and outlets sit higher in flood-prone areas (Sec. VI.C.1.b). Every new school building needs a storm drainage system, provision for future rainwater harvesting and a three-chamber concrete septic tank (Secs. VI.D.5 and D.6).

## Toilets, handwashing and accessibility

Table 5.0 sets the minimum water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities for new buildings:

| Facility | Minimum | Notes in the order |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Female water closet | 1 per 20 to 25 female students | On each floor; privacy and menstrual hygiene disposal |
| Male water closet | 1 per 25 to 30 male students | On each floor; one may be replaced by a urinal if fixtures stay at least two-thirds of the minimum |
| Urinal | 1 per 35 male students | On each floor, with partitions |
| Accessible toilet | At least 1 per building | Safe and inclusive |
| Handwashing faucets | 1 per 5 to 10 students, or 2 per toilet unit | Near all toilets and urinals |

*Source: DO 022, s. 2026, Encl., Table 5.0.*

These ratios are far tighter than the "pupil-to-toilet ratio of 50:1 for boys and girls" that DepEd's WASH in Schools policy aims for in [DO 10, s. 2016](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2016/02/19/do-10-s-2016-policy-and-guidelines-for-the-comprehensive-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-in-schools-wins-program/) (Sec. IV.B). They apply to what new buildings are designed for, not to the toilets schools already have. The [Educational Facilities Manual guide](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-educational-facilities-manual) shows how far existing schools are from them.

For learners and personnel with disabilities, the order applies Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, the Accessibility Law, and its implementing rules (Encl., Sec. VI.F):

- **Ramps** in every new school building, at least 1.20 m wide, at a gradient of 1:20, or up to 1:15 "in special cases, subject to approval"; non-skid surfaces; handrails on both sides at 0.70 m and 0.90 m where the rise exceeds 0.17 m; and the international symbol of access marked on the ramp (Sec. VI.F.1).
- **Tactile paving** in all new construction: warning blocks at stairs, ramps, lifts and hazards, and directional blocks along corridors and to accessible toilets (Sec. VI.F.2, Table 7.0).
- **Accessible toilets**: cubicles at least 1.80 m x 1.80 m, a turning space of 1,800 mm x 1,800 mm outside, an L-type and a flip-up grab bar, seats at most 0.45 m high and handwashing areas at most 0.85 m high, with at least one accessible female and one male cubicle "for every 20 or fewer gendered toilet cubicles" on each accessible floor (Sec. VI.F.3).

The order also refers to the "universal design" provisions of [RA 11650](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2022/ra_11650_2022.html), the Inclusive Education Act, and allows higher standards (Sec. VI.F).

## Paint colors, roof markings and what goes on classroom walls

"All new school buildings, regardless of funding source, shall adhere to a uniform color scheme in light and warm tones", chosen "to minimize heat absorption, enhance a bright and conducive learning environment, and promote energy efficiency" (Encl., Sec. VI.A.6.a.2). All paints must be "lead-safe, non-toxic, and low-VOC" (Sec. VI.A.6.a.1). Lead-safe paint was already mandatory in all preschools and elementary and secondary schools under [DO 4, s. 2017](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2017/01/18/do-4-s-2017-mandatory-use-of-lead-safe-paints-in-schools/) (para. 1).

![Illustration: paint colors and markings for new school buildings under DO 022, s. 2026. All buildings, Table 2.0: roofing Baguio Green, ceiling White, exterior walls and beams Ivory White, interior walls and beams Cream, grilles and railings Metallic Gray, baseboards Beige, accent and safety strips Red. Doors, window jambs and exterior columns by funding source: Palmyra Green for DepEd-funded buildings, Dark Brown for DepEd Last Mile Schools, Dark Blue for PPP, CSO and ODA, Dark Green for LGU-implemented buildings. Heritage buildings, Gabaldon schoolhouses and Kindergarten facilities follow their own laws and standards. Roof: only the DepEd logo (3.80 m by 7.60 m) and the school ID number (2.0 m high, blue with a white outline), at least 2.00 m apart, on the main or tallest building. Walls: only DepEd's name, seal, logo, mission, vision and core values; portraits and sayings of national heroes; and the school's name, ID number and location. Recognition: one brass marker, at most 0.60 m by 1.0 m, in a designated wall section. Inside classrooms: no added posters, hanging materials or decorations; only learning displays and required advisories in the designated section.](https://nash.com.ph/blog/_astro/do22-3-colors-markings.gCCUtsZq_12MBTS.webp)

*Figure 4. Paint colors and markings for new school buildings. Illustration by Mark Anthony Llego, based on DO 022, s. 2026, Encl., Sec. VI.A.6 and Tables 2.0 and 3.0. Colors are drawn from the approximate hex values the order prints.*

"All prescribed paint colors and paint codes shall be uniformly applied across all funding sources" (Table 2.0). Only doors, window jambs and exterior columns differ by funder: Palmyra Green for "DepEd", Dark Brown for "DepEd LMS" (the order does not spell out LMS; DepEd uses it for its Last Mile Schools program), Dark Blue for "PPP, CSO, ODA" (public-private partnerships, civil society organizations and official development assistance) and Dark Green for "LGU Implemented". Local cultural accents need "the prior written concurrence of the EFD", and any change or substitution needs written approval from the Education Facilities Division's Planning and Design Unit (Sec. VI.A.6).

The colors do not apply everywhere. "For structures covered by specific national laws and IRRs—such as heritage buildings, Gabaldon schoolhouses, and Kindergarten or Preschool facilities—the design, color scheme, materials, and construction details prescribed by those laws shall take precedence", and alterations need the approval of the Central Office EFD and the cultural agencies (exclusion clause, Sec. VI.A.6.a). For Gabaldon schoolhouses, [RA 11194](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11194_2019.html) strictly prohibits their modification, alteration, destruction, demolition or relocation; only a modification or alteration of the original design may be allowed, with a permit from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, where new school buildings are urgently needed (Sec. 5).

**Roofs** carry "only the DepEd logo (DO No. 69, s. 2003) and the official School ID Number", on the main or tallest building: the logo 3.80 m high and 7.60 m long, the number 2.0 m high in blue with a white outline, at least 2.00 m apart (Sec. VI.A.6.c; Table 3.0).

**Walls** "shall remain clean and free from unnecessary markings or decorations", except DepEd's name, seal, logo, mission, vision and core values; portraits and sayings of national heroes; and the school's name, ID number and location (Sec. VI.A.6.d.1). Recognition has one place: "A designated wall section for brass marker not exceeding 0.60 m (width) x 1.0 m (height) may be used to recognize sponsors, donors, political figures or school partners" (Sec. VI.A.6.d.2). Inside, "Unnecessary or distracting wall materials — including additional posters, rotating suspended materials, and decorative items — are not allowed inside classrooms or on building walls. Only displays that support learning or required school advisories may be installed within the designated section" (Sec. VI.A.6.d.3).

For all classrooms, new and old, DepEd's 2026 Brigada Eskwela guidelines go further: "Classroom walls shall remain bare and devoid of posters, decorations or other posted materials" ([DepEd Memorandum (DM) No. 027, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/05/05/may-5-2026-dm-027-s-2026-2026-brigada-eskwela-implementing-guidelines/), Encl., Sec. B.3). The two texts differ on learning displays, and as of November 9, 2026, no issuance has reconciled them. A third text requires notices in every classroom: DepEd's anti-bullying policy template, which schools adopt under [DO 006, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/03/24/march-24-2026-do-006-s-2026-guidelines-on-ensuring-a-safe-and-motivating-learning-environment-esmle/), has the school head ensure that the contact details of the Learner Formation Officer and the Child Protection Committee "are prominently displayed within each classroom" (Sec. VI.3; Annex D, Sec. 23.d). The course that satisfies all three: keep walls free of other posters and decorations, post the required notices, and in a building built to DO 022, put them and any learning displays in its designated section. The [guide to the DepEd seal, logo and letterhead](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-service-marks-visual-identity-manual) covers the roof and wall markings and the donor plaque in more detail.

## School furniture standards

DO 64, s. 2017 and DO 006, s. 2021 did not cover furniture. DO 022 does, and makes its specifications binding: "All procurement and provision of public-school furniture shall strictly follow the approved technical specifications, drawings, and other relevant requirements issued by the DepEd. Compliance is mandatory" (Encl., Sec. VII). New designs or materials need the prior review and concurrence of the EFD, may not be inferior to the approved specifications, and must carry certifications from the proper regulatory agencies.

Furniture must:

- be "safe, durable, ergonomic, and appropriate for the learning needs of students across all grade levels" (Sec. VII.a);
- leave pathways clear and accommodate learners with disabilities (Sec. VII.b);
- use durable, eco-friendly and, where possible, locally sourced materials, with "Non-toxic, lead-free coatings" meeting the Philippine National Standards (Sec. VII.c);
- keep "A seat-to-desk ratio of approximately 1:1.75 to 1:1.80" for comfort and posture (Sec. VII.d);
- withstand "at least 20–30% above the maximum expected load" (Sec. VII.e);
- be easy to clean (Sec. VII.f); and
- meet [RA 11394](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11394_2019.html), the Mandatory Provision of Neutral Desks in Educational Institutions Act; [Executive Order No. 879, s. 2010](https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo2010/eo_879_2010.html), "which requires that at least twenty percent (20%) of school furniture be made from bamboo"; and BP 344 (Sec. VII.g). The executive order itself directs DepEd to "procure the equivalent of at least twenty percent (20%) of the annual school desks and arm chairs requirement of all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide" in bamboo (Sec. 2); its title speaks of 25% of the desk and other furniture requirements, but Sec. 2 sets the 20% that DO 022 applies.

RA 11394 has applied to every school since 2019: "It shall be obligatory for all educational institutions, both public and private, that make use of armchairs in the classroom to provide neutral desks to all students", a neutral desk being "a table or an armchair that is suitable for both right-handed and left-handed students" (Sec. 3).

School MOOE may not buy "School seats, and teacher's tables and chairs", except furniture the Central, Regional or Schools Division Offices do not procure or provide, such as laboratory and workshop furniture ([DO 008, s. 2019](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2019/05/02/may-2-2019-do-008-s-2019-revised-implementing-guidelines-on-the-direct-release-use-monitoring-and-reporting-of-maintenance-and-other-operating-expenses-allocation-of-schools-including-other-fu/), Sec. V.D.6). The [guide to school MOOE](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-school-mooe) covers what MOOE may buy. Donated furniture goes through DepEd's donation rules ([DO 24, s. 2016](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2016/04/25/do-24-s-2016-guidelines-on-accepting-donations-and-on-processing-applications-for-the-availment-of-tax-incentives-by-private-donor-partners-supporting-the-k-to-12-program/)).

## Who reviews, approves and checks new buildings

| Office | Role under DO 022, s. 2026 | Encl., Sec. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Education Facilities Division (EFD), Central Office | Reviews and evaluates all proposed school building designs; recommends new designs and design elements from partners; inspects sites when necessary; leads monitoring and evaluation; sets up a feedback mechanism for learners, parents, teachers and school administrators | IX.c; X.A; XI.A |
| The Secretary or an authorized representative | Approves all school building designs and plans | IX.d |
| Regional Office (Education Support Services Division and Regional Engineer) | Oversees and inspects construction; consolidates division reports; endorses partners' new designs to the EFD | X.B; XI.B |
| Schools Division Office (SGOD and Division Engineer or Architect) | Inspects ongoing construction regularly; prepares accomplishment and compliance reports; endorses partners' designs to the EFD; documents partners' feedback | X.C; XI.C |

The order's text assigns no task to school heads. The rules on who builds and accepts a building come from other issuances:

- **DPWH-built projects.** Under [DO 018, s. 2023](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2023/07/21/july-20-2023-do-018-s-2023-revised-multi-year-guidelines-on-the-allocation-receipt-utilization-monitoring-and-reporting-of-the-basic-education-facilities-funds-beff/), the DPWH builds new school buildings under a memorandum of agreement. The Division Engineer coordinates a pre-construction meeting at the school "with the presence of the DPWH Contractor and the School Head". The Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) concurs in the Certificate of Acceptance "after the one (1)-year Defects and Liability Period", once a joint inspection finds no defects (Annex A, Sec. II.7.a and II.9).
- **LGU-built projects.** For DepEd-funded classrooms that partner LGUs build, [DM 038, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/06/09/june-9-2026-dm-038-s-2026-guidelines-on-the-implementation-of-classroom-and-school-building-construction-projects-by-partner-local-government-units-of-the-department-of-education/) sets a benchmark of PHP 3.0 million to PHP 3.5 million per classroom and states that cost adjustments do not authorize "deviation from the prescribed Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications (MPSS) / Enhanced Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications (EMPSS)" without the EFD's written approval (Encl., Secs. IV.A.2.3.1 and 2.5). The school head gives site access, monitors safety and disruption to classes, and may report visible delays, but this "shall be limited to operational observations only and shall not be considered technical or engineering validation" (Sec. IV.D.17.1).
- **Facilities planning.** Each Schools Division Office prepares a Comprehensive School Facilities Development Plan, led by the SGOD Chief and the Division Engineer with school heads, the Parents, Teachers, and Community Association, LGUs and other partners. Schools are ranked by need and by "the availability of a valid site ownership document" (DO 018, s. 2023, Sec. V.1).

DO 022 also promises "A Comprehensive Manual for Repair, Rehabilitation, and Maintenance" (Encl., Sec. VIII). For questions, the order names the Education Facilities Division, at efd@deped.gov.ph (para. 10).

## What 40 learners per room means for the classroom shortage

[Republic Act No. 7880](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1995/ra_7880_1995.html) defines the classroom shortage by "a student-classroom ratio of 45:1" (Sec. 3.b). DO 022 does not change that definition. It sets the occupancy new rooms are designed for, and at 40 learners a room, more rooms are needed.

The EDCOM II classroom data used across this series gives, for 46,888 public schools, the learners in levels that have classrooms (SY 2024-25) and the instructional rooms (2023). For each school, divide its learners by the target, round up to whole classrooms, and subtract the rooms it has; a school at or below the target needs none, and no school's spare rooms count against another's shortage.

| Target | Schools above it | Share of schools | Learners in those schools | Classrooms needed |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 50 learners per room | 5,177 | 11.0% | 5,824,827 | 36,387 |
| 45 learners per room (RA 7880 ratio) | 6,708 | 14.3% | 7,309,612 | 51,682 |
| 40 learners per room (DO 022 occupancy) | 8,911 | 19.0% | 9,319,774 | 75,807 |

*Source: EDCOM II classroom construction dashboard data, cleaned, version 1.1; 46,888 public schools with a learners-per-classroom ratio. No adjustment for class shifts.*

Moving the target from 45 to 40 adds 24,125 classrooms (46.7%) and brings 2,203 more schools into need. The 50-learner row matches the congestion figure in [Class Shifts and Crowded Classrooms in DepEd Schools](https://nash.com.ph/blog/class-shifting-crowded-classrooms).

![Paired horizontal bar chart of classrooms needed to bring each school to 45 and to 40 learners per room, by region. Region IV-A: 12,945 at 45 and 17,971 at 40. NCR: 12,397 and 16,643. Region III: 4,068 and 6,516. BARMM: 3,553 and 5,000. Region VII: 3,145 and 4,782. Region XI: 2,424 and 3,690. Region X: 2,353 and 3,531. Region IX: 2,330 and 3,444. Region XII: 1,778 and 2,799. Region V: 1,536 and 2,511. NIR: 1,075 and 1,819. MIMAROPA: 1,050 and 1,675. Region I: 723 and 1,274. Caraga: 704 and 1,183. Region VIII: 556 and 1,001. Region VI: 380 and 798. Region II: 372 and 711. CAR: 293 and 459.](https://nash.com.ph/blog/_astro/do22-rooms-short-40-vs-45.C-HPvy29_1M8DLB.webp)

*Figure 5. Classrooms needed to bring each school to 45 and to 40 learners per room, by region. Data: EDCOM II classroom construction dashboard data, cleaned v1.1 (SY 2024-25 learners, 2023 instructional rooms); 46,888 public schools. Sulu is counted in Region IX. Chart: © 2026 Mark Anthony Llego, NASH Reviewer. [Download the full-resolution chart (PNG)](https://nash.com.ph/blog/charts/school-leadership/do22-rooms-short-40-vs-45.png) or [its data (CSV)](https://nash.com.ph/blog/charts/school-leadership/do22-rooms-short-40-vs-45.csv).*

Region IV-A and NCR hold 49.0% of the classrooms needed at 45 and 45.7% at 40. The lower target raises the count most, in relative terms, where crowding is milder: by 110.0% in Region VI, 91.1% in Region II and 80.0% in Region VIII, against 38.8% in Region IV-A and 34.3% in NCR. In crowded regions, most of the need is already counted at 45.

Read these figures with three limits:

- **They are not DepEd's classroom shortage.** DepEd's own 2023 shortage, 165,443 classrooms, is computed for each school and level by its own method ([Philippine Classroom Shortage 2023](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-philippines-2023)). Compare the 40-learner row with the 45-learner row above it, not with DepEd's total.
- **Shifts are not counted.** The 2,015 schools with two or more shifts hold 52.9% of the classrooms needed at 45 and 50.4% at 40. A room used in two shifts serves two sets of classes, so for these schools the ratio measures pressure on rooms, not class size.
- **The data mix two years.** Learners are from SY 2024-25 and rooms from 2023, as in the rest of the series.

At DM 038's 2026 benchmark of PHP 3.0 million to PHP 3.5 million per classroom, the 24,125 extra classrooms would cost about PHP 72.4 billion to PHP 84.4 billion. That benchmark is for FY 2026 projects, which keep the old standards (DO 022, para. 6); DO 022 states no cost. The [cost of a classroom](https://nash.com.ph/blog/cost-to-build-classroom-philippines) post explains what the budget lines include.

## What this means for school heads

DO 022 is written for engineers, architects and approving offices, but school heads meet it at every stage of a building's life.

- **Before a project.** Help the division keep your school's entry in the Comprehensive School Facilities Development Plan current, and keep the site ownership papers ready, since the plan ranks schools by need and by "the availability of a valid site ownership document" (DO 018, s. 2023, Sec. V.1). Report hazards you know about, such as past floods, landslides or a nearby fault, so the site checks of Sec. VI.A.1 have them.
- **When a partner offers a building.** Tell the LGU, company or donor early that the building must follow DO 022, whatever the source of its funds: DepEd's colors, the door color for its funder, the brass marker for recognition, and a design reviewed by the EFD. Send new designs to the Division Engineer, who endorses them to the EFD (Encl., Sec. X.C.c). Adding the school's own design features or colors also needs that review.
- **During construction.** Attend the pre-construction meeting, give the builders and division engineers site access, keep learners away from the works, and report visible delays or hazards to the district office (DO 018, s. 2023, Annex A, Sec. II.7.a; DM 038, s. 2026, Sec. IV.D.17.1). Leave technical checks to the engineers: your observations are not engineering validation.
- **When a building is turned over.** Check the obvious items against the standards before the one-year defects and liability period ends: the two doors swing out, windows open fully, the four ceiling fans, two wall fans and six LED units work, outlets are at least 0.45 m high, the emergency lamp lights, the ramp and accessible toilet are usable, and tactile paving is in place. Report defects through the Division Engineer, since the SDS concurs in final acceptance (DO 018, s. 2023, Annex A, Sec. II.9).
- **In use.** Keep vents and windows clear of curtains and cabinets (Sec. VI.A.3.c), keep walls free of posters and decorations, and keep the required notices, such as the Learner Formation Officer's and Child Protection Committee's contacts, and any learning displays in the designated section. Plan class assignments so that standard rooms hold no more than the occupancy they were designed for where the school has the rooms. Ask for furniture that meets DepEd's specifications, including neutral desks under RA 11394.
- **Records to keep.** The school's site development plan and ownership documents; the building's program of works, turnover documents and acceptance certificates; furniture inventories, with deliveries checked against specifications; and repair requests.

These tasks serve indicators 2.3.2 (school facilities and equipment), 2.5.2 (school safety and disaster resilience) and 5.1.2 (relationships with partners and authorities): see [PPSSH Domain 2: Managing School Operations](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domain-2-managing-school-operations) and [PPSSH Domain 5: Building Connections](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domain-5-building-connections).

## How the NASH may test this

The items below are original practice items, scored 3 (Relational), 2 (Multistructural), 1 (Unistructural) or 0 (Prestructural). An option that breaks a rule scores 0.

### Question 1

*Indicator 2.3.1, School facilities and equipment. Career Stage 1, Conceptual, Moderate.*

A classroom building is charged to the FY 2026 appropriations. Its designs and program of works are approved, and its Invitation to Bid is posted only after DepEd's 2026 building standards take effect. Which statement correctly describes what governs the project?

- **A.** The 2026 standards govern it, as bidding began after they took effect, though its approved designs need no redesign.
- **B.** The 2017 and 2021 standards govern it, as FY 2026 funding decides this, and its approved designs need no redesign.
- **C.** The 2017 and 2021 standards govern it, as FY 2026 funding decides this, but its designs must be updated to the new ones.
- **D.** Whichever standards the school head and the contractor agree on before the contract is signed will govern it.

**Answer and explanation**

**Best answer: B.** Points: A = 1, B = 3, C = 2, D = 0.

- **A (1 point, Unistructural).** It is right that approved designs need no redesign, but it applies the procurement test, which decides only for projects funded from FY 2027 (para. 5). A project charged to FY 2026 appropriations keeps the old standards whenever its bidding starts (para. 6).
- **B (3 points, Relational).** "Projects funded under FY 2026 appropriations" stay under DO 64, s. 2017 and DO 006, s. 2021, "as applicable", and "shall not be required to revise or redesign" their approved designs, programs of works, unit price analyses or specifications "solely to comply with these Enhanced MPSS" (para. 6).
- **C (2 points, Multistructural).** It names the right standards for the right reason, but requires the redesign that para. 6 waives.
- **D (0 points, Prestructural).** No provision lets a school head and a contractor choose the standards. Paras. 5 and 6 decide, the EFD reviews designs and the Secretary or an authorized representative approves them (Encl., Sec. IX.c and d).

**Why.** This aligns with Career Stage 1 expectations because indicator 2.3.1 asks for knowledge of the issuances on acquiring school facilities. DO 022, s. 2026 repeals DO 64, s. 2017 and DO 006, s. 2021 (para. 4) but keeps them for projects funded under FY 2026 appropriations, which need no redesign (para. 6); its own standards govern projects funded from FY 2027 whose procurement had not commenced (para. 5). The 2-point option has the right standards but misses the no-redesign rule.

*Indicator 2.3.1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of policies, guidelines and issuances on acquisition, recording, utilization, repair and maintenance, storage, and disposal in managing school facilities and equipment.*

*Sources: DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2026, paras. 4 to 6, and Encl., Secs. IX and XII; DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2020.*

### Question 2

*Indicator 2.3.2, School facilities and equipment. Career Stage 2, Situational, Moderate.*

You are the school head of a public elementary school in a lowland town in Iloilo. A furniture company in town offers to donate 120 plastic armchairs for Grades 5 and 6, all with right-hand writing boards, in time for the recognition rites next month. Two new classrooms still have no seats from the division, and the company asks you to accept the armchairs by Friday. What should you do?

- **A.** Accept all 120 armchairs this week, and buy left-handed armchairs from the school MOOE so every learner has a seat.
- **B.** Ask the company to switch to neutral armchairs, then accept and record them as school property when they arrive.
- **C.** Thank the company and ask for neutral desks built to DepEd's specifications, accepted under the donation rules.
- **D.** Decline the armchairs, since right-hand chairs fall short of the neutral-desk law, and wait for the division's seats.

**Answer and explanation**

**Best answer: C.** Points: A = 0, B = 2, C = 3, D = 1.

- **A (0 points, Prestructural).** School MOOE may not buy "School seats" the division provides (DO 008, s. 2019, Sec. V.D.6), and a mix of right- and left-hand armchairs is not neutral desks "to all students" (RA 11394, Sec. 3).
- **B (2 points, Multistructural).** Neutral armchairs meet RA 11394, and recording them as school property is right, but the plastic chairs are not checked against DepEd's furniture specifications, and the donation is not documented under DepEd's donation rules.
- **C (3 points, Relational).** It keeps the donor and connects the rules: neutral desks (RA 11394, Sec. 3), made to DepEd's approved specifications, which DO 022, s. 2026 makes mandatory for "All procurement and provision of public-school furniture" (Encl., Sec. VII), and accepted under DO 24, s. 2016.
- **D (1 point, Unistructural).** It sees that right-hand armchairs fail RA 11394, but it does not steer the offer toward a compliant gift, loses the donor and leaves two classrooms without seats.

**Why.** This aligns with Career Stage 2 expectations because indicator 2.3.2 asks the school head to manage facilities and equipment in adherence to the rules on their acquisition and recording. RA 11394 requires neutral desks for all learners in schools that use armchairs (Sec. 3), public-school furniture follows DepEd's approved specifications (DO 022, s. 2026, Encl., Sec. VII), and donations from private partners go through DO 24, s. 2016. The 2-point option gets the neutral desks but skips the specifications and the donation documents.

*Indicator 2.3.2: Manage school facilities and equipment in adherence to policies, guidelines and issuances on acquisition, recording, utilization, repair and maintenance, storage and disposal.*

*Sources: Republic Act No. 11394, Sec. 3; DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2026, Encl., Sec. VII; DepEd Order No. 008, s. 2019, Sec. V.D.6; DepEd Order No. 24, s. 2016; DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2020.*

### Question 3

*Indicator 5.1.2, Management of diverse relationships. Career Stage 2, Situational, Difficult.*

You are the school head of a public high school in a growing town in Bukidnon. The municipal government will use its 2027 funds to build a two-story, four-classroom building on your campus, and bidding has not started. The mayor's office sends a design with roofing, walls and doors in the town's orange and blue, and the mayor's name in large letters across the front wall. The mayor asks for your support this week. What should you do?

- **A.** Support the design as it was submitted, since a building paid for by the town may carry its colors and the mayor's name.
- **B.** Ask for DepEd colors and a plaque in place of the mayor's name, then thank the mayor warmly for the new building.
- **C.** Tell the mayor's office that you will wait for the division's own decision before you respond to the request.
- **D.** Thank the mayor, explain that DepEd colors, dark green doors and a plaque apply, and send it to the division engineer.

**Answer and explanation**

**Best answer: D.** Points: A = 0, B = 2, C = 1, D = 3.

- **A (0 points, Prestructural).** The colors are uniform "regardless of funding source" (DO 022, s. 2026, Encl., Sec. VI.A.6.a.2; Table 2.0), and walls carry only DepEd's and the school's own markings, with recognition on a brass marker in a designated section (Sec. VI.A.6.d).
- **B (2 points, Multistructural).** DepEd colors and a plaque are right (Table 2.0; Sec. VI.A.6.d.2), but it misses the Dark Green doors, window jambs and columns of an LGU-implemented building and the EFD review the design still needs.
- **C (1 point, Unistructural).** It is right that the division has a role, but it states no standard, stalls the mayor and sends nothing on: the Division Engineer endorses partners' designs to the EFD (Encl., Sec. X.C.c).
- **D (3 points, Relational).** It welcomes the partner and states what the building must meet: DepEd's colors, "Dark Green (LGU Implemented)" for the doors, window jambs and exterior columns (Table 2.0), a brass marker of at most 0.60 m x 1.0 m for recognition (Sec. VI.A.6.d.2), and the design endorsed by the Division Engineer to the EFD (Sec. X.C.c), which reviews every school building design "regardless of funding source" (Sec. IX.a and c).

**Why.** This aligns with Career Stage 2 expectations because indicator 5.1.2 asks the school head to build constructive relationships with authorities and stakeholders for an environment that supports learners. The town's 2027-funded building, not yet bid out, follows DO 022, s. 2026 "regardless of funding source" (paras. 2 and 5). Local cultural accents are allowed with a supporting ordinance and the EFD's written concurrence (Encl., Sec. VI.A.6.a.3), but a roof, walls and doors in the town's colors are a different color scheme, not an accent. The 2-point option fixes the name and the main colors but not the door color or the review.

*Indicator 5.1.2: Build constructive relationships with authorities, colleagues, parents and other stakeholders to foster an enabling and supportive environment for learners.*

*Sources: DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2026, paras. 2 and 5, and Encl., Secs. VI.A.6, IX and X.C, Table 2.0; DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2020.*

Nothing in this guide reproduces or predicts examination content.

## Frequently asked questions

### When does DO 022, s. 2026 take effect?

Fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation (DO 022, s. 2026, para. 9). It governs projects funded from FY 2027 appropriations whose procurement had not commenced by then; projects funded under FY 2026 appropriations keep the DO 64, s. 2017 and DO 006, s. 2021 standards (paras. 5 and 6). DepEd's announcement of September 29, 2026 says the new standards begin with FY 2027.

### How many learners should a DepEd classroom have?

A standard 63-square-meter classroom is recommended for 40 learners or fewer, at 1.58 square meters each (DO 022, s. 2026, Encl., Table 1.0), and "can accommodate 40–45 learners" if its exit doors are properly sized (Sec. VI.A.2.a). These are design occupancies, not a class-size cap. The classroom shortage is still measured at 45 learners per room under RA 7880 (Sec. 3.b), and senior high school core classes have a maximum size of 40, with larger classes allowed where schools cannot comply (DO 017, s. 2026, para. 23).

### What colors are new DepEd school buildings?

A Baguio Green roof, a White ceiling, Ivory White exterior walls, Cream interior walls, Metallic Gray grilles and railings, Beige baseboards and Red safety strips, for every funding source (DO 022, s. 2026, Table 2.0). Doors, window jambs and exterior columns are Palmyra Green for DepEd, Dark Brown for "DepEd LMS" (DepEd's Last Mile Schools), Dark Blue for public-private partnerships, civil society organizations and official development assistance, and Dark Green for LGU-implemented buildings. Heritage buildings, Gabaldon schoolhouses and Kindergarten facilities follow their own standards.

### Does DO 022 apply to existing school buildings?

Only to work funded from FY 2027 whose procurement had not commenced when the order took effect, including improvement, retrofitting, repair and rehabilitation (Encl., Sec. II; para. 5). No provision requires existing buildings to be rebuilt to the new standards.

### Can teachers put up posters in a new classroom?

Only learning displays and required school advisories, in the designated wall section: "additional posters, rotating suspended materials, and decorative items" are not allowed (DO 022, s. 2026, Encl., Sec. VI.A.6.d.3). DepEd's 2026 Brigada Eskwela guidelines require bare classroom walls (DM 027, s. 2026, Encl., Sec. B.3), while the anti-bullying template under DO 006, s. 2026 requires the Learner Formation Officer's and Child Protection Committee's contacts in each classroom (Annex D, Sec. 23.d). Keep walls bare except for those notices and any learning displays, placed in the designated section.

## Download the data

- [do22-room-sizes.csv](https://nash.com.ph/blog/charts/school-leadership/do22-room-sizes.csv): minimum floor area, recommended occupancy and the printed floor area per learner for six room types, from DO 022, s. 2026, Encl., Table 1.0.
- [do22-rooms-short-40-vs-45.csv](https://nash.com.ph/blog/charts/school-leadership/do22-rooms-short-40-vs-45.csv): classrooms needed to bring each school to 45 and to 40 learners per room, by region, from the cleaned EDCOM II classroom data (SY 2024-25 learners, 2023 rooms).
- [do22-rooms-needed-by-target.csv](https://nash.com.ph/blog/charts/school-leadership/do22-rooms-needed-by-target.csv): the national figures at 50, 45 and 40 learners per room: schools above each target, their learners and the classrooms needed.

The CSVs and charts may be reused only with written permission: email [support@nash.com.ph](mailto:support@nash.com.ph). The rules themselves come from DepEd's issuances, which you can cite directly. The cleaned EDCOM II classroom data behind the series are described in [How the EDCOM Classroom Data Was Cleaned](https://nash.com.ph/blog/edcom-classroom-data-cleaned).

## Sources

**DepEd issuances**

- [DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/09/24/september-24-2026-do-022-s-2026-enhanced-minimum-performance-standards-and-specifications-for-deped-school-infrastructure-and-school-furniture/), Enhanced Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications for DepEd School Infrastructure and School Furniture, September 24, 2026. Paras. 1 to 10; Encl., Secs. II, VI.A to VI.F, VII to XII, Tables 1.0 to 7.0.
- [DepEd Order No. 64, s. 2017](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2017/12/15/do-64-s-2017-establishing-the-minimum-performance-standards-and-specifications-for-deped-school-buildings/), Establishing the Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications for DepEd School Buildings, December 15, 2017. Secs. V to X.
- [DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2021](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2021/02/08/february-8-2021-do-006-s-2021-re-establishment-of-minimum-performance-standards-and-specifications-for-deped-school-buildings-using-alternative/), Re-Establishment of Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications for DepEd School Buildings Using Alternative Construction Materials, February 8, 2021.
- [DepEd Order No. 018, s. 2023](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2023/07/21/july-20-2023-do-018-s-2023-revised-multi-year-guidelines-on-the-allocation-receipt-utilization-monitoring-and-reporting-of-the-basic-education-facilities-funds-beff/), Revised Multi-Year Guidelines on the Allocation, Receipt, Utilization, Monitoring, and Reporting of the Basic Education Facilities Funds (BEFF), July 20, 2023. Sec. V.1; Annex A, Sec. II.
- [DepEd Memorandum No. 038, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/06/09/june-9-2026-dm-038-s-2026-guidelines-on-the-implementation-of-classroom-and-school-building-construction-projects-by-partner-local-government-units-of-the-department-of-education/), Guidelines on the Implementation of Classroom and School Building Construction Projects by Partner Local Government Units of the Department of Education, June 9, 2026. Encl., Secs. IV.A.2 and IV.D.17.1.
- [DepEd Memorandum No. 027, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/05/05/may-5-2026-dm-027-s-2026-2026-brigada-eskwela-implementing-guidelines/), 2026 Brigada Eskwela Implementing Guidelines, May 5, 2026. Encl., Sec. B.3.
- [DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/03/24/march-24-2026-do-006-s-2026-guidelines-on-ensuring-a-safe-and-motivating-learning-environment-esmle/), Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), March 24, 2026. Sec. VI.3; Annex D, Sec. 23.d.
- [DepEd Order No. 017, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/06/04/june-4-2026-do-017-s-2026-strengthened-senior-high-school-curriculum/), Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum, June 4, 2026. Para. 23.
- [DepEd Order No. 008, s. 2019](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2019/05/02/may-2-2019-do-008-s-2019-revised-implementing-guidelines-on-the-direct-release-use-monitoring-and-reporting-of-maintenance-and-other-operating-expenses-allocation-of-schools-including-other-fu/), Revised Implementing Guidelines on the Direct Release, Use, Monitoring and Reporting of Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses Allocation of Schools, Including Other Funds Managed by Schools, May 2, 2019. Sec. V.D.6.
- [DepEd Order No. 24, s. 2016](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2016/04/25/do-24-s-2016-guidelines-on-accepting-donations-and-on-processing-applications-for-the-availment-of-tax-incentives-by-private-donor-partners-supporting-the-k-to-12-program/), Guidelines on Accepting Donations and on Processing Applications for the Availment of Tax Incentives by Private Donor Partners Supporting the K to 12 Program, April 25, 2016.
- [DepEd Order No. 10, s. 2016](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2016/02/19/do-10-s-2016-policy-and-guidelines-for-the-comprehensive-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-in-schools-wins-program/), Policy and Guidelines for the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Program, February 10, 2016. Sec. IV.B.
- [DepEd Order No. 4, s. 2017](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2017/01/18/do-4-s-2017-mandatory-use-of-lead-safe-paints-in-schools/), Mandatory Use of Lead-Safe Paints in Schools, January 18, 2017. Para. 1.
- [DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2020](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2020/09/07/september-7-2020-do-024-s-2020-national-adoption-and-implementation-of-the-philippine-professional-standards-for-school-heads/), National Adoption and Implementation of the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads, September 7, 2020.

**Laws and executive issuances**

- [Republic Act No. 7880](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1995/ra_7880_1995.html), Fair and Equitable Access to Education Act, 1995. Sec. 3.b.
- [Republic Act No. 11394](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11394_2019.html), Mandatory Provision of Neutral Desks in Educational Institutions Act, 2019. Sec. 3.
- [Republic Act No. 11194](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11194_2019.html), Gabaldon School Buildings Conservation Act, 2019. Sec. 5.
- [Republic Act No. 11650](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2022/ra_11650_2022.html), Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education, 2022.
- [Batas Pambansa Blg. 344](https://lawphil.net/statutes/bataspam/bp1983/bp_344_1983.html), An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments, and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices (Accessibility Law), February 25, 1983.
- [Executive Order No. 879, s. 2010](https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo2010/eo_879_2010.html), Creating the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) to Promote the Bamboo Industry Development Project and Directing the Use of Bamboo for at Least Twenty Five (25%) Percent of the Desk and Other Furniture Requirements of Public Elementary and Secondary Schools and Prioritizing the Use of Bamboo in Furniture, Fixtures and Other Construction Requirements of Government Facilities and Allocating Funds Therefore and Other Purposes, May 14, 2010. Sec. 2.

**Data**

- EDCOM II classroom construction dashboard data, cleaned, version 1.1 (SY 2024-25 enrollment and class shifts; 2023 instructional rooms). Llego, M. A. (2026). NASH Reviewer. https://nash.com.ph/edcom-classroom-data

## More in this series

- [How the EDCOM Classroom Data Was Cleaned](https://nash.com.ph/blog/edcom-classroom-data-cleaned)
- [Philippine Classroom Shortage 2023: Where the Gap Is](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-philippines-2023)
- [DepEd School Building Program 2026 in Numbers](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-school-building-program-2026)
- [Do 2026 Classrooms Go Where the Shortage Is?](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-allocation-vs-shortage-2026)
- [Classroom Allocation by LGU Income Class, 2026](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-allocation-lgu-income-class)
- [Class Shifts and Crowded Classrooms in DepEd Schools](https://nash.com.ph/blog/class-shifting-crowded-classrooms)
- [Last Mile Schools: Classroom Need and 2026 Allocation](https://nash.com.ph/blog/last-mile-schools-classroom-shortage)
- Regional reports: [NCR](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-ncr), [CAR](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-car), [Region I](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-1-ilocos), [Region II](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-2-cagayan-valley), [Region III](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-3-central-luzon), [Region IV-A](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-4a-calabarzon), [MIMAROPA](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-mimaropa), [Region V](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-5-bicol), [Region VI](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-6-western-visayas), [NIR](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-negros-island-region), [Region VII](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-7-central-visayas), [Region VIII](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-8-eastern-visayas), [Region IX](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-9-zamboanga-peninsula), [Region X](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-10-northern-mindanao), [Region XI](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-11-davao), [Region XII](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-12-soccsksargen), [Caraga](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-region-13-caraga), [BARMM](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-barmm)
- Rankings and deep dives: [Congressional districts](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-by-congressional-district), [Top 20 cities and municipalities](https://nash.com.ph/blog/cities-municipalities-largest-classroom-shortage), [Rizal](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-rizal), [Quezon City](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-quezon-city), [City of Manila](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-manila), [Tawi-Tawi](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-tawi-tawi), [Cavite](https://nash.com.ph/blog/classroom-shortage-cavite), [Cost of a classroom](https://nash.com.ph/blog/cost-to-build-classroom-philippines)
- Explainers: [PSIP III](https://nash.com.ph/blog/psip-iii-classrooms-explained), [Senior high shortage](https://nash.com.ph/blog/senior-high-school-classroom-shortage), [Junior high shortage](https://nash.com.ph/blog/junior-high-school-classroom-shortage), [Excess classrooms](https://nash.com.ph/blog/schools-with-more-classrooms-than-needed), [Learning Continuity Spaces](https://nash.com.ph/blog/learning-continuity-spaces-sbp-2026), [How learners reach school](https://nash.com.ph/blog/how-learners-reach-public-high-schools), Building and furniture standards (this post)
- For teachers and school heads: [Action research and thesis topics](https://nash.com.ph/blog/action-research-topics-classroom-shortage)
- Related: [Educational Facilities Manual](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-educational-facilities-manual), [DepEd seal, logo and letterhead](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-service-marks-visual-identity-manual), [Brigada Eskwela guide](https://nash.com.ph/blog/brigada-eskwela-school-heads-guide), [School MOOE](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-school-mooe)

*Written by Mark Anthony Llego for NASH Reviewer. Sources: DepEd Orders No. 022, s. 2026, No. 64, s. 2017, No. 006, s. 2021, No. 006, s. 2026, No. 018, s. 2023, No. 017, s. 2026, No. 008, s. 2019, No. 24, s. 2016, No. 10, s. 2016, No. 4, s. 2017 and No. 024, s. 2020; DepEd Memoranda No. 038 and No. 027, s. 2026; RA 7880, RA 11394, RA 11194, RA 11650 and BP 344; Executive Order No. 879, s. 2010; EDCOM II classroom data. Charts may be reused only with written permission from support@nash.com.ph.*

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© 2026 Mark Anthony Llego, NASH Reviewer. All rights reserved. You may quote up to 100 words from this article with the author's name, its title and a link. In research, cite it as: Llego, M. A. (2026, November 9). *School Building and Furniture Standards: DO 022, s. 2026*. NASH Reviewer. https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-school-building-furniture-standards. Any other reuse of the article, its charts or its data needs written permission: email support@nash.com.ph. Terms of Service: https://nash.com.ph/terms#website-content-and-data