WITH over 14,000 additional classrooms needed to provide a conducive learning environment, Western Visayas’ educational infrastructure is straining under the weight of growing enrollment and inadequate facilities. Relying solely on the Department of Education’s (DepEd) budget is obviously not a viable solution. If we are to ensure quality education for the 1.7 million learners in public schools across Region 6, public-private partnerships (PPPs) could fill in the gap.
DepEd’s latest National School Building Inventory for School Year 2022-2023 is grim. Of the 62,263 classrooms in the region, only 8,220 are in good condition. The rest are either in need of major or minor repairs, marked for demolition, or awaiting completion. With such a massive backlog, even the most optimistic budget allocations from the national government won’t be enough to address the issue swiftly.
This is where the private sector can step in. PPPs, already proven successful in other sectors, can provide much-needed financial support, technical expertise, and innovative solutions. Local government units (LGUs), which are closer to the grassroots and understand the specific needs of their local schools, can be a bridge between DepEd and private companies or organizations willing to invest in educational infrastructure.
Some LGUs have already taken steps in this direction. For example, in Iloilo Province, the Schools Division Office has partnered with private entities to help alleviate the classroom shortage. These could be replicated across the region. Local chief executives must take the initiative in reaching out to the private sector, offering attractive incentives or joint venture opportunities to build or repair school facilities.
But this is not just about corporate responsibility. Businesses have a vested interest in the quality of education in their communities. A well-educated workforce is critical for economic growth, and improving school infrastructure directly contributes to the development of future employees, leaders, and consumers.
There are also creative ways to involve the private sector without relying solely on monetary contributions. Construction companies can provide expertise in cost-efficient building designs, while tech firms can offer digital solutions to create modern, smart classrooms. Local businesses could adopt schools, contributing to the upkeep of facilities or funding extracurricular programs that enhance the student experience.
For their part, LGUs can act as coordinators, ensuring that private sector contributions are used effectively and that projects align with the specific needs of each community. Local leaders can also advocate for policies that make it easier for private firms to invest in educational projects, such as streamlining permitting processes or offering tax incentives for companies that participate in school infrastructure development.
However, public-private partnerships should not replace the responsibility of the national government. DepEd still has a crucial role in planning and overseeing educational infrastructure, ensuring that minimum standards are met. But the sheer scale of the classroom shortage means that DepEd cannot do it alone, especially in a region as vast and diverse as Western Visayas. By leveraging the strengths of both the public and private sectors, we can tackle the infrastructure crisis more effectively and ensure that every learner has access to a proper learning environment.
