DepEd eyes leasing closed private schools to address classroom shortage

The Department of Education (DepEd) is considering leasing closed private schools to address the classroom shortage crisis in the country.

DepEd partnered with the Student First Coalition to conduct a Classroom Market Scoping Activity to explore leasing solutions.

During the activity, DepEd presented its Standard Classroom Specifications, outlined its classroom needs, and detailed its Leasing Pilot Program.

The Pita Property, formerly Rainbow Institute of Learning Inc. in Laguna, a 1,385-square-meter campus closed since 2020, is being eyed as a pilot project.

This property is located just two kilometers from Don Manuel Rivera Memorial Integrated National High School, which faces a 22-classroom deficit.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara expressed the need to open idle school buildings for students in need.

The leasing strategy will not replace DepEd's long-term infrastructure programs, including flexible school building implementation and public-private partnerships.