Preparations for School Year 2025–2026 Highlight Classroom Shortage
With the school year 2025–2026 set to begin on June 16, education officials are intensifying efforts to tackle the persistent classroom shortage affecting many public schools across the Philippines. The Department of Education is focusing on infrastructure improvements, hiring new teachers, and rolling out curriculum updates to better serve students nationwide.
Local experts confirm that the classroom shortage remains a critical issue, especially in densely populated regions such as Region IV-A and the National Capital Region. According to sources familiar with the matter, the current backlog has grown to over 165,000 classrooms, a gap that at present funding levels could take decades to close.
Brigada Eskwela 2025 Mobilizes Communities for School Preparedness
To prepare schools for reopening, the annual “Brigada Eskwela” initiative will launch a week before classes start. This campaign calls on teachers, parents, and community groups to volunteer their time for cleaning and repairing school facilities. Community leaders said this support plays a vital role in ensuring schools are ready to welcome students safely and comfortably.
Innovative Approaches to Infrastructure and Teacher Hiring
Addressing the classroom shortage, sources report that the education department is exploring the revival of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, proposing a 10-year payment plan to accelerate infrastructure development. In addition, a new campaign called “Generation HOPE” aims to involve businesses and consumers in supporting education through creative partnerships.
Meanwhile, the department is fast-tracking the recruitment of 16,000 new teachers by the end of 2025, part of the 20,000 teaching positions funded under the current budget. Improving student-teacher ratios remains a priority, particularly for Kindergarten and primary grades, as one official emphasized, “Malaking bagay ito.”
Managing Overcrowding Through Shift Systems and Online Learning
Due to classroom shortages, many schools still operate on double or triple shifts, with some students attending classes only on certain days. Reports indicate that in some areas, children cannot attend school daily because of limited space. To reduce disruptions, the department is enhancing internet access for independent learners, especially in Senior High School.
Education authorities stressed that younger students, such as those in Nursery, Kindergarten, and Grade 1, who are just beginning to learn reading and writing, absolutely need in-classroom instruction.
Senior High School Curriculum Pilot Promotes Flexibility and Career Readiness
This school year introduces a pilot program for a revised Senior High School curriculum in several hundred schools. The reforms reduce the number of subjects over two years and offer more flexible learning tracks that align with students’ interests and career goals.
According to local education sources, students have responded positively to this change, appreciating the freedom to explore different fields before choosing specific tracks like Business or Science. Pilot schools were carefully chosen based on their readiness in faculty, facilities, and curriculum.
Leadership Updates and Future Outlook
The current Education Secretary has submitted a courtesy resignation following presidential directives but has yet to receive confirmation about the next steps, stating, “Di ko pa alam.” Meanwhile, education stakeholders continue to push for comprehensive solutions to longstanding challenges.
For more news and updates on classroom shortage, visit Filipinokami.com.