Planting seeds of hope: DepEd highlights importance of collaboration to address classroom shortage

The Department of Education (DepEd) is rallying support from both the public and private sectors to help bridge the country’s classroom shortage through a collaboration that enables Filipinos to contribute to school-building efforts with their everyday purchases.

- By MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

“Let us keep planting these seeds of hope in every space where a child dares to dream,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement. “Because in Bagong Pilipinas, hope is not something we wait for but something we build together,” he added.

Classrooms of HOPE

DepEd, in partnership with social enterprise HOPE and some of the country’s leading brands, has launched the Generation HOPE program to help ease the Philippines’ classroom shortage.

In line with President Marcos’ call to address the gap in school infrastructure, the partnership brings together BDO, SM, Penshoppe, Grab, Aivee, Carmen’s Best, and Sunnies, with proceeds from their products and services channeled directly into classroom construction nationwide.