DepEd to Lease Closed Private Schools to Solve Classroom Shortage Faster

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Behind the Scenes DepEd's Innovative Solution to Classroom Shortage

The Department of Education (DepEd) has taken a bold step to address the persistent classroom shortage in the country. In collaboration with the Student First Coalition, the agency is exploring the possibility of leasing closed private schools and unutilized properties to provide much-needed learning spaces for students.

A Creative Approach to Solving the Crisis

We need to think creatively if we want to move fast, said Education Secretary Sonny Angara. If there are schools and buildings that are vacant and can be used, we should open them for our youth who need them. The DepEd has been working with major real estate developers, government agencies, and property management groups to identify suitable properties.

Partnership and Progress in Addressing the Classroom Shortage

The initiative has brought together prominent real estate firms, including Colliers, Santos Knight Frank, Leechiu, Jones Lang LaSalle, Lobien Realty, and Rebap, Inc. Additionally, government agencies such as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Corps of Engineers are participating in the effort.

Pilot Program Launched to Leverage Closed Private Schools

Among the properties considered for leasing is the former Rainbow Institute of Learning, Inc., a 1,385 square meter campus that closed in 2020. The site features seven classrooms, a cafeteria, an office, and a covered court with a stage. Located just two kilometers from Don Manuel Rivera Memorial Integrated National High School in Pila, Laguna, which is short of 22 classrooms, the site has the potential to provide much-needed learning spaces.

A Faster Solution to Addressing Classroom Shortages

This is part of our ongoing effort to turn the tide on classroom shortages, said Undersecretary for Strategic Operations 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.

Looking Ahead The Roadmap to a Solution

The DepEd will continue to explore innovative solutions to address the classroom shortage. Insights from the market scoping as well as reform proposals and new models of school infrastructure delivery will be studied in the upcoming classroom summit by the agency.

Conclusion A Testament to Creativity and Commitment

The DepEd's initiative to lease closed private schools and unutilized properties is a testament to its commitment to finding creative solutions to pressing educational challenges. As the agency continues to work towards providing quality learning spaces for all students, it is clear that this bold move will have a lasting impact on the country's education sector.

Keywords DepEd, classroom shortage, closed private schools, unutilized properties, innovative solution, education infrastructure delivery.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.