DepEd Seeks Leased Private Schools to Alleviate Classroom Shortage
Addressing Classroom Shortages Through Private Sector Collaboration
The Department of Education (DepEd) is exploring new strategies to tackle the growing issue of classroom shortages in the country. One of its key initiatives involves tapping into unused private schools and other properties that are currently not in use. This move aims to provide immediate relief to students who are in dire need of learning spaces.
Collaborative Efforts with the Private Sector
In a recent effort, the DepEd partnered with the Student First Coalition to conduct a Classroom Market Scoping Activity. This event brought together real estate developers, government agencies, and property management groups to assess the potential of the private sector in addressing the classroom shortage. The activity focused on evaluating the capacity of these entities and discussing possible strategies for collaboration.
During the scoping activity, the DepEd presented its Standard Classroom Specifications, outlined the current classroom needs, and detailed the specifics of its Leasing Pilot Program. This program is designed to explore the feasibility of leasing existing structures to accommodate more students.
A Vision for Utilizing Unused Spaces
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angaray emphasized the importance of utilizing any available spaces that could be repurposed for educational purposes. He stated, “Kung may mga paaralan at gusaling nakatengga at maaari namang magamit, buksan natin ito para sa mga kabataang nangangailangan ngayon.” In English, this translates to, “If there are unused schools and buildings that can be utilized, let’s open them for students who are in need.”
This statement highlights the department's commitment to finding innovative solutions to the classroom shortage crisis.
Insights from the Classroom Summit
The insights gathered during the Classroom Market Scoping Activity will be further discussed at the upcoming Classroom Summit. At this summit, the DepEd plans to consolidate reform proposals and new models for delivering school infrastructure. This initiative is expected to lead to more effective and sustainable solutions for the classroom shortage problem.
A Potential Lease Opportunity in Laguna
One of the properties being considered for a possible lease is a private school in Laguna that has been closed since 2020. This location is near Don Manuel Rivera Memorial Integrated National High School, which currently faces a deficit of 22 classrooms. The private school in question has a 1,385-square-meter campus, featuring seven classrooms, a cafeteria, an office, and a covered court with a stage.
Complementing Long-Term Infrastructure Programs
The DepEd clarified that the possible leasing of private schools is intended to complement, not replace, its long-term infrastructure programs. These programs aim to address the 165,000-classroom backlog that the country currently faces. According to DepEd Undersecretary Ronald Mendoza, "Instead of waiting two to three years for classrooms to be built, we’re looking at existing structures that can be adapted within six months for our learners’ needs."
Challenges in Infrastructure Development
Earlier reports from the Department of Public Works and Highways indicated that only 22 classrooms have been completed out of the 1,700 that were supposed to be built this year. This highlights the challenges faced by the government in meeting its infrastructure goals within the allocated timeframe.
By leveraging the resources of the private sector, the DepEd hopes to accelerate the process of providing adequate learning spaces for students. This approach not only addresses the immediate needs but also sets the stage for a more efficient and collaborative future in education infrastructure development.
