THE CLASSROOM shortage in Western Visayas has revealed an uncomfortable truth: the divide between public and private schools when it comes to infrastructure, resources, and overall learning conditions.
According to the latest data from the Department of Education (DepEd), of the 1.9 million learners enrolled in the region, over 1.7 million are in public schools, while only about 176,000 are in private institutions. This discrepancy shows the overwhelming demand on public education and the unequal distribution of resources that must be urgently addressed.
Public schools, which accommodate the vast majority of learners, face daunting challenges. Out of the 62,263 instructional classrooms in Region 6, a mere 8,220 are in good condition, with thousands more requiring repairs or outright replacement. The disparity in facilities between public and private schools is obvious — students in public schools are often crammed into overcrowded, dilapidated classrooms, while many private institutions boast better-maintained buildings and more conducive learning environments.
More than just a matter of aesthetics or comfort, this divide mirrors deeper issues of inequality that impact the quality of education received by students. Learners in under-resourced public schools are at a disadvantage, with larger class sizes, fewer learning materials, and less access to modern technology. The situation is particularly dire in provinces like Negros Occidental and Iloilo where the demand for classrooms far exceeds the available supply.
While private schools can rely on tuition fees and private investments to maintain their facilities, public schools depend heavily on government funding, which is often insufficient to meet growing demands. This imbalance not only perpetuates inequality but also undermines the promise of quality education for all.
Without a doubt, a more equitable distribution of resources is needed. The government must prioritize public education in its budget allocation, ensuring that public schools receive the funding necessary to repair and build classrooms, provide modern learning materials, and improve overall conditions. Additionally, private schools that benefit from government subsidies, such as vouchers or scholarships for students, should be encouraged to share resources or engage in public-private partnerships that can help uplift public school facilities.
Local government units (LGUs) must also step up. While some provinces and cities, like Iloilo, have begun working with private entities to address the classroom deficit, these efforts must be scaled up and expanded region-wide. Governors, mayors, and other local leaders should take an active role in ensuring that their public schools receive the support they need — whether through local budget allocations, land ownership resolutions, or partnerships with the private sector.
Education is the great equalizer, but it cannot fulfill that role if the playing field remains uneven. If we truly believe in providing equal opportunities for every child, then the disparity between public and private schools must be addressed. The quality of education should not depend on whether a child attends a public or private institution; it should be a universal right, with every student having access to the same high standards of learning.
