Classroom shortage hits 165,000

Angara: It may take 30 years to address growing problem

- By MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

The country continues to grapple with a worsening classroom shortage that could take up to 30 years to address if current funding levels persist, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara on Monday, May 26, highlighted the urgent need for greater investment in the country's public education infrastructure, citing the growing shortage in classrooms.

"Around 165,000 and growing because the current budget can't support it—at this rate, it will take us 30 years to build if we stick to the existing budget," Angara said of the classroom shortage during an interview after the launch of a partnership with HOPE.

DepEd data shows that the Philippines currently lacks 165,443 classrooms—a challenge that directly impacts the quality of education and the future of Filipino youth.

To address this pressing issue, DepEd has partnered with HOPE and a coalition of leading brands to launch Generation HOPE—an innovative campaign aimed at empowering consumers to support education and nation-building through meaningful marketing initiatives.

"This is a big deal because our budget was reduced in 2025, so this will help address our classroom shortage," said Angara, in an interview on the sidelines of the Generation HOPE launch at SM Aura Premier in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Through partnerships like this, Angara said DepEd can better prioritize other gaps in the education sector.