It is one of the actions being taken in order to meet the shortage in learning space in the country.
In a statement, the Department of Education (DepEd) noted the successful implementations of its classroom leasing program in Baliwag City, Bulacan, and Marikina City.
In Baliwag City, Pinagbarilan Integrated School expanded its capacity by leasing facilities at Gardenersfield School Incorporated, with around 189 learners transferred into 9 leased classrooms located less than 10 meters from the main campus.
In Marikina City, Kapitan Moy Elementary School opened an extension campus on October 1, leasing seven classrooms at Covenant Children Academy—500 meters from the parent school—and it serves 632 Grade 5 and 6 learners.
The move, which aims to accelerate learning space expansion for public school learners, sees the government enter into property leasing agreements with private schools to address classroom shortages.
This move allows them to bypass multi-year construction delays and provide immediate relief to overcrowded campuses in highly congested areas across key cities and regions.
Aide from traditional building projects, Education Secretary Sonny Angara noted that leasing serves as an “agile, high-impact solution” to meet urgent classroom needs on the ground.
The initiative is part of DepEd’s broader multi-pronged infrastructure strategy.
The list includes classroom construction in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), partnerships with local government unit (LGU), Public-Private Partnerships, the modular and prefabricated DepEd Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS).
“We cannot rely solely on traditional construction timelines when our children need classrooms today,” stressed Angara. “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.”
DepEd regional and division offices are also currently evaluating additional campus leases, ensuring that safety, accessibility, and proximity standards are strictly met for every relocated learner community.
“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,” the Education Chief added.
