DepEd pilots classroom leasing in Laguna as game changer to address shortage

The Department of Education (DepEd) has started leasing a private building in Pila, Laguna, to convert it into classrooms — a first in the agency’s history and a move officials described as a potential “game changer” in addressing the country’s classroom backlog.

Education Undersecretary for Strategic Management Ronald Mendoza said the pilot project involves seven classrooms under a one-year lease arrangement, part of DepEd’s efforts to explore faster and more flexible ways to expand school capacity while long-term construction projects are still underway.

“We’re trying to test new instruments and new models that will allow us to move faster,” Mendoza said during his presentation at the Philippine Economic Society Annual Conference on Thursday.

“If we can’t build classrooms quickly enough, why not lease? We can convert existing structures in six months instead of waiting years for new ones,” he added.

Mendoza said the pilot will serve as a proof of concept for possible legislative reforms that would allow long-term leasing arrangements for schools, ensuring continuity and stability of such partnerships.

“This is just the start. We hope to institutionalize this kind of innovation so we can scale it up where it’s needed most,” he said.

DepEd estimates the country’s classroom shortage at around 165,000, with regions like Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and BARMM among those with the biggest gaps. 

Mendoza said adopting alternative solutions such as leasing, along with public-private partnerships, could “significantly accelerate” efforts to close the deficit. –NB, GMA Integrated News