DepEd rolls out classroom leasing program to address school overcrowding

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday rolled out its classroom leasing initiative to address overcrowded public schools while construction of permanent classrooms are ongoing. 

The initiative, a partnership between local government units and the private sector, was launched in the town of Pila in Laguna. Laguna is the third most congested province due to its large enrollment base and limited expansion space in public schools, the DepEd said. 

“Hindi natin isinasantabi ang pagtatayo ng mga bagong silid-aralan. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang classroom construction sa buong bansa. Pero habang ginagawa ito, kailangan din nating mag-isip ng mga praktikal at agarang solusyon gaya ng classroom leasing para hindi na maghintay ang mga bata at guro ng ilang taon bago magkaroon ng maayos na lugar para matuto,” said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara in a statement. 

(We are not setting aside the construction of new classrooms. Classroom construction continues across the country. But while this is ongoing, we also need to think of practical and immediate solutions like classroom leasing, so that children and teachers don't have to wait for years to have a proper place for learning.) 

The leased facility in Pila is serving as an annex of Don Manuel Rivera Memorial Integrated National High School. 

DepEd refurbished and repurposed the leased classrooms for a few months, which is a cost-efficient solution in areas where land acquisition is a problem to expand school facilities. 

Further, the department is planning to replicate the classroom leasing model in other high-need areas. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News