Manila Times
Upholding Truth. Empowering the Philippines
Thursday, May 21, 2026
The Nation's Story is Told with Honor
Philippines Faces Growing Classroom Shortage of 165,000
Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlights the increasing deficit and plans for school infrastructure improvement.
Manila, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has reported a significant shortage of 165,000 classrooms across the country, a figure that has surged from 55,000 just twelve years ago.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara attributed this escalating deficit primarily to population growth, emphasizing the urgent need for improved educational infrastructure.
Angara stated that the Department is seeking to revive the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program, which has successfully contributed to the construction of between 12,000 to 15,000 classrooms in the past.
The proposed PPP initiative would facilitate expedited building processes, with payments intended to be spread out over a decade.
In addition to the structural deficit, Angara noted ongoing issues with classroom utilization, including the challenges of double and triple class shifting in public schools.
He expressed concern for areas where students remain homebound due to a lack of available classrooms.
As part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate these challenges, Angara mentioned efforts to enhance internet connectivity, particularly aimed at providing senior high school students with the resources to study independently from home.
This shift aims to alleviate pressure on physical classrooms, allowing younger students to benefit from in-person instruction.
The Department has also confirmed the hiring of 16,000 new teachers, a move designed to improve student-teacher ratios.
Currently, the anticipated ratio is one teacher for every 20 to 25 students in kindergarten, while high school classes are aimed to maintain a ratio of one teacher for every 40 to 45 students.
In preparation for the new school year, set to commence on June 16 and conclude on March 31, 2026, the DepEd will launch the Brigada Eskwela initiative, scheduled for June 8 or 9, leading into the school year start.
Additionally, Angara highlighted the Generation HOPE initiative, aimed at generating funds for school construction through partnerships with various brands and services.
He reiterated the significance of collaboration between the government and private sector in ensuring equitable access to education for all children in the Philippines.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara attributed this escalating deficit primarily to population growth, emphasizing the urgent need for improved educational infrastructure.
Angara stated that the Department is seeking to revive the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program, which has successfully contributed to the construction of between 12,000 to 15,000 classrooms in the past.
The proposed PPP initiative would facilitate expedited building processes, with payments intended to be spread out over a decade.
In addition to the structural deficit, Angara noted ongoing issues with classroom utilization, including the challenges of double and triple class shifting in public schools.
He expressed concern for areas where students remain homebound due to a lack of available classrooms.
As part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate these challenges, Angara mentioned efforts to enhance internet connectivity, particularly aimed at providing senior high school students with the resources to study independently from home.
This shift aims to alleviate pressure on physical classrooms, allowing younger students to benefit from in-person instruction.
The Department has also confirmed the hiring of 16,000 new teachers, a move designed to improve student-teacher ratios.
Currently, the anticipated ratio is one teacher for every 20 to 25 students in kindergarten, while high school classes are aimed to maintain a ratio of one teacher for every 40 to 45 students.
In preparation for the new school year, set to commence on June 16 and conclude on March 31, 2026, the DepEd will launch the Brigada Eskwela initiative, scheduled for June 8 or 9, leading into the school year start.
Additionally, Angara highlighted the Generation HOPE initiative, aimed at generating funds for school construction through partnerships with various brands and services.
He reiterated the significance of collaboration between the government and private sector in ensuring equitable access to education for all children in the Philippines.
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