The Department of Education (DepEd) is strongly advocating for public-private partnerships (PPPs) and technology-driven learning to address the Philippines’ longstanding classroom shortage and equip students with the skills needed for future jobs.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, at the sidelines of the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum (AEEOLF) 2026 on Tuesday, February 24, said these initiatives are a “big solution to a big problem,” aiming to modernize Philippine education and harness the country’s young population for economic growth.

“Based on the discussions, it’s very clear that the Philippines has the youngest population in Asia, pero walang kwenta iyon kung hindi ka nag-invest sa education at kalusugan (but that’s worthless if you don’t invest in education and health),” Angara said.

He highlighted the Philippines’ demographic advantage, noting that having the youngest population in Asia will only translate to economic gains if backed by quality education and health systems.

Angara also stressed that education is crucial for employment and long-term economic mobility.

“To get jobs, they need education. Kung mahina sila, hindi nila makukuha yung trabaho (if they are weak, they won’t be able to get the job),” Angara added.

During the forum, Angara cited the PPP for School Infrastructure Program III (PSIP III) as a key strategy to accelerate classroom construction.

Under this program, over 16,000 classrooms nationwide will be built with a total project cost of P105.7 billion.

Private partners will finance, construct, and maintain facilities under a Build-Lease-Transfer scheme, while the government has introduced a Green Lane policy to fast-track approvals.

“Ang kagandahan sa PPP, imbes na one or two classrooms lang, bulto-bulto na (what’s good about PPP is that instead of just one or two classrooms, you get them in bulk)—hundreds, if not thousands,” he said. “You need a big type of solution to solve a big problem,” he added.

Beyond addressing shortages, Angara said DepEd is modernizing classrooms to prepare students for the digital economy.

Facilities under the PSIP Connect program will include computers, internet access, and AI-enabled learning tools, equipping students with digital literacy from an early age.

“May high-tech component iyan — may AI, may computers (there’s a high-tech component—with AI and computers),” Angara said. “If hindi ka marunong gumamit ng internet (if you don’t know how to use the internet), how can you become digitally savvy?” he added.

Angara also highlighted DepEd’s partnership with local government units (LGUs) in efforts to accelerate classroom construction nationwide.

As DepEd strengthens initiatives to address gaps in classrooms and other resources, Angara underscored the urgency of implementing reforms.

He noted that without major reforms, the Philippines risks lagging behind other ASEAN countries. Investing in classrooms, technology, and improved learning conditions is critical to building a future-ready workforce and strengthening the nation’s competitiveness.

“To give citizens a good life, they must be educated. Education is the gateway to employment; without it, people lack the strength and skills to secure jobs,” Angara said.

He also lauded President Marcos’ focus on education. “The impact may not be felt immediately in five years, but in 10 to 15 years, Filipinos will see the results—when they apply for jobs equipped with the skills and tools they need to succeed,” he added.