The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Friday, Dec. 20, its plan to launch a new wave of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects aimed at designing, financing, and constructing 15,000 classrooms in approximately 1,600 schools across nine regions starting next year.
In a statement, DepEd said this initiative is expected to benefit over 600,000 learners nationwide.
DepEd also announced its partnership with the PPP Center to address the classroom backlog in public schools across the country.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara signed a USD 1 million Technical Assistance Agreement with the PPP Center to address a portion of the 165,000-classroom shortage in public schools.
DepEd said the agreement provides technical support for constructing 15,000 classrooms in 2025 under the PPP for School Infrastructure Program Phase III (PSIP III).
This Project Development and Monitoring Facility grant from the PPP Center, DepEd explained, aims to “streamline the planning and implementation of PSIP III, ensuring a more effective approach to addressing the country’s classroom backlog.”
Angara said President Marcos would “appreciate this partnership today because it aligns with his directives, as it will not only improve the quality of education but also enhance the learning environment.”
Top priority
DepEd emphasized that “creating safe, conducive learning environments” remains its top priority as part of its 5-Point Reform Agenda.
To tackle these challenges, DepEd said it is reviving its PPP initiatives for school infrastructure while exploring innovative PPP models for other educational facilities, such as bundled campus development, school libraries, and other essential infrastructure.
“PPPs are a critical component of the reform agenda in basic education, which includes decentralization and digitization,” DepEd noted.
Also present during the signing were PPP Center Executive Director Ma. Cynthia Hernandez, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Department of Finance Usec. Catherine Fong, Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation President Josephine Romero, and senior DepEd officials.
Angara expressed his gratitude to Balisacan for “recommending this partnership” and noted that the NEDA Chief “still has future plans” to help the education sector.
“Thank you [Sec. Balisacan] for your initiative. We look forward to working with you. We appreciate all the time you've given us," Angara said.
To enhance the functionality of these classrooms as effective learning environments, DepEd said it is considering construction packages that include sustainable energy solutions, internet connectivity, furniture, and water systems.
DepEd added that the classrooms will feature sustainability and climate resiliency elements, such as solar panel systems and rainwater catchments, to address the needs of future generations.