WINNING | How private builders are powering public schools

Insider Spotlight

• Aboitiz Construction is deepening its footprint in public education through energy and infrastructure support
• Regional education officials are leaning more on private partners to deliver sustainability projects
• Renewable energy is emerging as a new collaboration point between schools and industry
  
  

As power costs rise and schools struggle with aging facilities, private sector players are stepping in to fill critical gaps—bringing not just funding, but long-term infrastructure solutions that keep classrooms running.

Aboitiz Construction is positioning itself at the intersection of infrastructure, energy, and education, expanding its role beyond traditional construction work into community-facing development programs. 

The company’s recent efforts in Central Luzon highlight how corporate engineering expertise is increasingly being deployed to support public-sector resilience, particularly in schools.

What happened

In late January, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region III formally recognized Aboitiz Construction as an Education Partner during its Regional Stakeholders’ Appreciation Program in Pampanga, citing the company’s sustained contributions to public schools.

The bigger picture

Rather than one-off donations, DepEd officials have been encouraging partnerships that deliver measurable, long-term impact. 

For Aboitiz Construction, that has meant hands-on involvement in school improvement initiatives across Tarlac City, including multiple Brigada Eskwela projects spanning seven public schools last year.

Driving force

A standout initiative is the company’s AuroraPH program, which installed a 5-kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar panel system in a public high school in August 2025. The project was designed to provide a steady power supply while promoting renewable energy adoption within the education sector.

“This recognition reflects how we are engineered for excellence, not only in our projects but also in our partnerships with the education sector. By delivering sustainable solutions like renewable energy to schools, we uphold our commitment to building a future where both business and communities can thrive together,” Karmine Andrea Ching, senior assistant vice president of Aboitiz Construction, said in a press statement on Feb. 5, 2026.

By the numbers

• 7 public schools supported through Brigada Eskwela projects
• 5kWp solar system installed in a public high school
• 50 years of Aboitiz Construction’s nationwide operations

What’s next

The regional recognition builds on an earlier Outstanding Stakeholder award from the DepEd Tarlac City Division in December 2025, signaling a deepening relationship between the company and education authorities.

Bottom line

As education agencies look for durable solutions—not just short-term aid—companies that can blend infrastructure, sustainability, and community engagement are becoming indispensable partners in keeping public schools future-ready. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma