Lease Private Schools to Boost Enrollment
Addressing Classroom Shortages: A New Approach by the Department of Education
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is exploring a new strategy to tackle the growing classroom shortage in the country. One of the key initiatives under consideration is leasing closed private schools to accommodate the increasing number of students.
In a recent statement, the DepEd described this as a "bold move" that involves collaboration with the private sector and other government agencies. The goal is to find innovative solutions to address the current challenges in classroom availability.
A Pilot Project in Laguna
One of the potential sites for this initiative is the Pita Property, which was previously known as the Rainbow Institute of Learning Inc. This property is located in Laguna and has a total area of 1,385 square meters. It was closed in 2020 and is now being considered as a pilot project.
The location is just two kilometers away from the Don Manuel Rivera Memorial Integrated National High School, which currently faces a deficit of 22 classrooms. By repurposing this site, the DepEd aims to provide additional space for students and reduce the pressure on existing schools.
Collaboration with the Student First Coalition
To ensure the success of this initiative, the DepEd has partnered with the Student First Coalition. Together, they conducted a Classroom Market Scoping Activity through leasing. This activity involved presenting the DepEd’s Standard Classroom Specifications, detailing the classroom needs, and explaining the Leasing Pilot Program.
During the event, there was also an open forum where representatives from the private sector could share their insights and suggestions. This collaboration is expected to lead to more effective and sustainable solutions for the classroom shortage problem.
Long-Term Infrastructure Plans
It is important to note that the leasing strategy is not meant to replace the DepEd’s long-term infrastructure programs. The department continues to focus on its flexible school building implementation and public-private partnerships. These initiatives are crucial for ensuring that schools have the necessary facilities to support students in the long run.
Challenges in Classroom Construction
Despite these efforts, the challenge remains significant. Recently, the Department of Public Works and Highways admitted that as of October, only 22 classrooms had been completed out of the 1,700 targeted for construction. This highlights the urgency of finding alternative solutions to meet the growing demand for classroom spaces.
Additionally, the DepEd reported a nationwide backlog of 146,708 classrooms. This staggering number underscores the need for immediate action and creative approaches to address the issue.
Opportunities for Innovation
The DepEd sees this crisis as an opportunity to foster public-private collaboration and innovation. By working with private entities, the department hopes to create a more efficient and effective system for managing classroom spaces. This approach not only addresses the immediate needs but also lays the foundation for future improvements in education infrastructure.
Through these efforts, the DepEd aims to ensure that every student has access to a safe and conducive learning environment, regardless of the challenges they may face.
