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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Leasing closed private schools eyed as solution to classroom shortage crisis — DepEd

Leasing closed private schools eyed as solution to classroom shortage crisis — DepEd

Partnership with private sector explored to speed up classroom delivery nationwide

Published Oct 30, 2025 07:27 pm
DepEd is exploring the leasing of closed private schools and idle properties to ease the classroom shortage in the Philippines, aiming to deliver faster, cost-efficient learning spaces in partnership with the private sector. (DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
DepEd is exploring the leasing of closed private schools and idle properties to ease the classroom shortage in the Philippines, aiming to deliver faster, cost-efficient learning spaces in partnership with the private sector. (DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday, October 30, said it is exploring the leasing of closed private schools and other idle properties to help ease the country’s classroom shortage, which reached 165,000 classrooms nationwide in 2022.
In partnership with the Student First Coalition (SFC), DepEd said in a statement that it recently conducted a Classroom Market Scoping Activity to assess the feasibility of leasing arrangements.
The initiative brought together key real estate developers, government agencies, and property management firms to identify available spaces and discuss partnership models for scalable, cost-efficient classroom leasing.
“We need to think creatively if we want to move fast,” said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara. “Kung may mga paaralan at gusaling nakatengga at maaari namang magamit, buksan natin ito para sa mga kabataang nangangailangan ngayon (If there are schools and buildings that are idle but can be used, let’s open them up for the youth who need them now),” he added.
The event featured presentations on DepEd’s standard classroom specifications, classroom needs, and its Leasing Pilot Program, followed by an open discussion with private sector participants.
Among the firms that joined the forum were Colliers, Santos Knight Frank, Leechiu Property Consultants, Jones Lang LaSalle Inc., Lobien Realty Group, and REBAP Inc.
Key government partners also participated, including the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Corps of Engineers (AFP-COE).
(Photo courtesy of DepEd)
(Photo courtesy of DepEd)
Leasing as a faster, scalable classroom solution
DepEd officials said the leasing initiative aims to provide faster alternatives to traditional school construction, which can take years to complete.
“This is part of our ongoing effort to turn the tide on classroom shortages,” said Undersecretary for Strategic Management 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,” he added.
One of the first sites being evaluated is the Pita Property—formerly the Rainbow Institute of Learning, Inc.—in Laguna.
The 1,385-square-meter campus, which has been closed since 2020, includes seven classrooms, a cafeteria, an office, and a covered court. It is located just two kilometers from Don Manuel Rivera Memorial Integrated National High School, which currently faces a 22-classroom deficit.
Part of broader education infrastructure reform
DepEd emphasized that the leasing strategy will complement, not replace, long-term infrastructure programs such as school building construction, flexible learning space implementation, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
The insights gathered from the scoping activity will feed into the upcoming DepEd Classroom Summit, where the department plans to consolidate reform proposals and explore new delivery models for school infrastructure.
Angara underscored that these efforts form part of DepEd’s broader push for strategic, data-driven reforms aimed at improving access to quality education and addressing persistent resource gaps. 

Related Tags

DepEd classroom shortage 2025 Sonny Angara DepEd Student First Coalition public-private partnership education school building crisis Philippines classroom construction delay DepEd Classroom Summit
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