By Brian Campued
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday announced the launch of a P105.7-billion public-private partnership (PPP) scheme to address the 165,000-classroom shortage across the country.
In a news release, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the PPP for School Infrastructure Project Phase III (PSIP III) was presented to the Economy and Development Council and received approval from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Angara said the PSIP III is part of the agency’s sweeping reforms aimed at expediting classroom construction and improving governance in school infrastructure.
“Hindi na puwedeng umasa lang tayo sa iisang paraan. PSIP is one of our horses in this race to deliver classrooms faster to our communities,” the DepEd chief said.
“Every classroom we build reduces congestion, improves safety, at nagbibigay ng sapat na espasyo para makapag-aral nang maayos ang mga bata at makapagturo nang epektibo ang mga guro,” he added.
Under the PSIP III, about 16,459 classrooms are targeted to be constructed in strategic areas and benefit up to 800,000 students once fully operational, while easing congestion in over 1,000 public schools nationwide.
It is also projected to reduce the average class size to 39 learners per class from the current 50.
The program also complements the nearly 24,000 classrooms set to be built through funding from the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
“Sa pamamagitan ng PSIP III, binubuksan natin ang pintuan sa isang whole-of-nation approach—pakikipagtulungan sa pribadong sektor para mas mabilis at mas episyenteng makapaghatid ng mga silid-aralan, at kasabay nito’y mapasigla ang lokal na industriya,” Sec. Angara stated.
While around 57,000 jobs can be created under PSIP III, it will also generate at least P40.15 billion in savings for the government.
The DepEd said it will begin the bidding in March, to be followed by the contract signing in August.
Constructions will start by March 2027 and are targeted to be completed by March 2028.
In a press briefing at Malacañang on Jan. 6, Angara said DepEd is eyeing partnerships with up to 80 provinces, 160 cities, and several municipalities, as well as organizations, to fast-track school construction.
-jpv
