In a significant move to tackle the persistent issue of classroom shortages, the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced a collaboration with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center. This partnership, formalized through a USD1 million Technical Assistance Agreement signed on December 20, 2024, aims to construct 15,000 new classrooms starting next year.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision to enhance the quality of education and improve learning environments across the Philippines. The project falls under the third phase of the PPP for School Infrastructure Program, which promises more efficient planning and execution to address the backlog of classrooms.
The construction will span approximately 1,600 schools across nine regions, significantly alleviating classroom congestion and directly benefiting over 600,000 students nationwide. In addition to the classrooms, DepEd is considering comprehensive packages that include sustainable energy solutions, Internet connectivity, water systems, and essential furniture and fixtures.
Further, the department is exploring innovative PPP models that could encompass bundled campus development, including school libraries and other critical infrastructure. This comes at a time when DepEd has reported an increased shortage of classrooms, now standing at 165,000, up from the previous figure of 159,000.