Urgent Call to Address Classroom Shortage
The pressing issue of the classroom shortage in the Philippines demands immediate government action, local leaders emphasized. The classroom shortage poses a significant barrier to quality education, and without swift intervention, it could take more than five presidencies to resolve this crisis.
Senator Bam Aquino, chair of the Senate committee on basic education, highlighted the severity of the problem during a recent public hearing. He stressed that the classroom shortage is a persistent challenge that requires urgent and focused attention from policymakers.
Current Backlog and Its Impact
According to data from the Department of Education (DepEd), the official backlog stands at 165,000 classrooms. However, community members and education advocates argue that the actual number of classrooms needed to accommodate all students is even greater.
“If we cannot find a solution to the classroom backlog, we’re looking at not just years but decades—possibly more than five presidents will pass before we can address this shortage—if we don’t act quickly and give it the proper attention,” Aquino said in Filipino.
Concerns Over Funding and Construction
Questions have arisen regarding the disparity in prices for classroom construction and the allocation of funds. Officials reported that only 847 classrooms were built in 2024, raising concerns about possible inefficiencies or mismanagement.
“Why are the prices different? And where does the money go if only 847 classrooms were built in 2024? There should be no room for wasting funds in education, because it’s not just schools being stolen from, but also the dreams of young people and families who only want their children to graduate,” the senator added in Filipino.
The Human Cost of Classroom Shortage
The classroom shortage is not merely a statistic; it represents the dreams and futures of countless Filipino students. Community members noted that limited classroom space forces teachers to improvise, often conducting lessons in cramped or inadequate spaces. This situation undermines the quality of education and hinders students’ potential.
One poignant example comes from Juan Sumulong Elementary School in Antipolo City, where a teacher manages with just half a classroom—an image that symbolizes the broader struggle faced by many educators.
Moving Forward: Solutions and Hope
Education advocates urge the government to prioritize the construction of classrooms and ensure transparency in the use of funds. They believe that with proper planning and commitment, the classroom shortage can be significantly reduced within a shorter timeframe.
Addressing this issue is crucial not only for educational development but for the nation’s future as a whole. Without decisive action, the classroom shortage will continue to hinder the dreams of Filipino youth for generations to come.
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