PH NEEDS 7,000 CLASSROOMS EACH YEAR TO RESOLVE THE SHORTAGE

The Philippines needs to build at least 7,000 classrooms annually for the next 15 years to address the severe backlog and prepare the education system for the future, according to a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

Despite lower fertility rates and targeted projects reducing congestion nationally, overcrowding remains critical in regions like Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Soccsksargen, and BARMM.

The study highlights that some areas, such as the Bangsamoro region, will still experience growing school-age populations even as national enrollment declines by 2040.

PIDS Senior Fellow Dr. Michael Abrigo emphasized that infrastructure expansion must be coupled with reforms, such as offering vouchers to private schools and optimizing classroom usage.

He also noted that improving education requires transparent, data-driven planning and streamlined construction processes to speed up classroom building.

Source: PhilNews24 | July 19, 2025