THE Department of Education (DepEd) said it "is turning to innovative property leasing agreements" in addressing classroom shortages.
The department said in a statement on Thursday that the initiative was part of its "broader multi-pronged infrastructure strategy, which works alongside Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-led construction, local government unit (LGU) partnerships, Public-Private Partnerships," DepEd Learning Continuity Spaces, and collaborations with public and private organizations.
"We cannot rely solely on traditional construction timelines when our children need classrooms today. Leasing is one of DepEd's vital channels to accelerate classroom delivery alongside our partnerships with the DPWH, LGUs, government partners, and the private sector" Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
"By partnering with private institutions that have ready-to-use facilities, we cut down waiting times significantly, decongest our public campuses, and ensure our learners are sitting comfortably in classrooms rather than makeshift spaces," Angara said.
DepEd said the leasing program "targets highly congested public campuses across key cities and regions." It cited the capacity expansion by the Pinagbarilan Integrated School in Baliwag by leasing Gardenersfield School Inc. facilities. The DepEd said that from June 8, 2026, about 189 learners transferred into nine "leased classrooms located less than 10 meters from the main campus." The DepEd also said that leasing seven classrooms at the Covenant Children Academy, the Kapitan Moy Elementary School in Marikina City opened an extension campus on Oct. 1. The facility now serves 632 Grade 5 and 6 learners, “significantly easing the shift load and overcrowding on the main campus." It said regional and division offices were evaluating additional campus leases.
