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Bella Cariaso - The Philippine Star
May 28, 2025 | 12:00am
“The deficit has been growing. Twelve years ago, the deficit was 55,000 classrooms. Now it’s 165,000. We really can’t keep up. That is a factor of population growth,” Angara said.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — The country still faces a shortage of 165,000 classrooms, largely due to the growing population, Education Secretary Sonny Angara disclosed yesterday.
“The deficit has been growing. Twelve years ago, the deficit was 55,000 classrooms. Now it’s 165,000. We really can’t keep up. That is a factor of population growth,” Angara said.
To address the gap, Angara said the Department of Education (DepEd) is working to revive the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program, which had previously facilitated the construction of 12,000 to 15,000 classrooms.
Under this arrangement, classrooms would be built promptly, with payments spread over 10 years. He also noted that double and triple class shifting continue to plague public schools.
“That’s the problem. It is not only the double shifting. In fact, there is also triple shifting. We have areas where the children do not go to school because they have no classrooms, forcing them to stay at home,” Angara said.
Improving internet connectivity is also part of the department’s strategy, particularly to enable senior high school students, whom Angara described as “independent learners,” to study from home. This would free up classroom space for younger learners who require in-person instruction.
Angara also confirmed the hiring of 16,000 new teachers, which he said would help improve student-teacher ratios, especially in kindergarten and high school levels.
“The ratio between teacher and students is one to 20 to 25 for kindergarten, and for high school, the ratio of one to 40 to 45 is acceptable,” Angara said.
In preparation for the upcoming school year, which opens on June 16 and ends on March 31, 2026, Angara said the DepEd will once again spearhead Brigada Eskwela, scheduled on June 8 or 9 until the school opening.
He also highlighted the Generation HOPE initiative, where a portion of the proceeds from selected brands and services will be allocated for school construction.
“Education is not just a duty, it’s a solemn responsibility we all share. When the government and the private sector unite through partnerships like Generation HOPE, we break down barriers and pave the way for every Filipino child to learn in a safe and inspiring environment. Education is how we secure the future of our nation,” Angara added.
