The Department of Education has unveiled an ambitious plan to build 24,000 new classrooms nationwide, marking a decisive step toward easing chronic overcrowding and closing long-standing infrastructure gaps in public schools. Speaking before the Senate, DepEd Undersecretary Edson Sy said that while not all classrooms are expected to be completed within the year, construction on a substantial number of projects will begin soon—offering renewed hope for millions of Filipino learners seeking safer, more conducive spaces for education.
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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has set an ambitious goal to construct 24,000 new classrooms across the country, signaling a renewed push to address overcrowding and longstanding infrastructure gaps in public schools.
During a recent Senate hearing, DepEd Undersecretary Edson Sy clarified that while the agency does not expect all 24,000 classrooms to be completed by the end of the year, a significant number of projects are scheduled to begin within the same period.
“We don’t really necessarily expect all 24,000 classrooms by the end of the year. But a lot of those should be starting already by this year,” Sy told lawmakers.
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Addressing a Persistent Backlog
For years, public schools have grappled with classroom shortages, forcing many institutions to implement double or even triple shifts to accommodate students. In densely populated urban centers, learners often share cramped spaces, while in remote and disaster-prone areas, makeshift classrooms remain common.
The planned construction drive aims to ease this congestion and provide safer, more conducive learning environments. Education officials emphasized that improving physical infrastructure is critical to raising academic performance and ensuring equitable access to quality education.
Phased Implementation
DepEd acknowledged that delivering 24,000 classrooms in a single year would be a logistical and financial challenge. Instead, the agency is focusing on rolling out projects in phases—prioritizing areas with the most severe shortages and high enrollment growth.
The department is also coordinating with local government units and other implementing partners to accelerate procurement and construction processes. Officials stressed that groundwork, bidding, and initial construction activities are expected to gain momentum before year’s end.
Boost to Learning Recovery
The initiative comes at a crucial time as schools continue to strengthen in-person learning and recover from years of pandemic-related disruptions. Education advocates have long argued that infrastructure improvements are foundational to academic recovery, particularly in marginalized communities.
Lawmakers at the Senate hearing underscored the importance of transparency and efficiency in implementing the program. They called for strict monitoring to ensure funds are properly utilized and that construction timelines are met.
Long-Term Investment in Education
DepEd’s 24,000-classroom target forms part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s public education system. Beyond addressing immediate shortages, the plan reflects a long-term investment in learning spaces that are resilient, inclusive, and adaptable to future challenges.
While full completion may extend beyond the current year, officials expressed confidence that the early rollout of projects will signal tangible progress. For millions of Filipino students, the promise of new classrooms represents more than additional walls and desks—it offers the prospect of safer spaces, better focus, and a stronger foundation for learning.