Struggling with a Classroom Shortage Crisis
Cebu confronts a deficit of approximately 3,000 classrooms.
In just a couple of weeks, schools in Cebu Province, Philippines, are set to open their doors, but a daunting challenge looms large—a deficit of over 3,000 classrooms and facilities.
DepEd 7 Director Salustiano Jimenez sounded the alarm during a recent news forum. He attributed the shortfall to the aftermath of natural disasters, particularly Typhoon Odette, which left a trail of destruction across the region in late 2021, and various dilapidated classrooms that remain uncared for. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic also delayed funding for the construction of new classrooms.
With the 2025-2026 school year looming, Jimenez has been mobilizing, visiting various division offices, and consulting with local government units and other stakeholders. In these meetings, he's been emphasizing the gravity of the infrastructure issue and advocating for both immediate and long-term solutions.
The classroom shortage has forced some students to attend classes at unusual hours, whether early in the morning or late into the evening.
Jimenez reassured that preparations for the school year's commencement on June 16 are well underway. The Brigada Eskwela program, which usually bundles community efforts to prepare schools for the upcoming school year, is scheduled to kick off on June 9. Additionally, training for the new Matatag curriculum has already commenced.
To meet this challenge head-on, a collaboration between the government, local authorities, and various stakeholders is crucial. By pooling resources and expertise, we can work together to create a more conducive learning environment for students, even as we rise to overcome this classroom shortage crisis.
[1] "Cebu faces 3,000+ classroom shortage ahead of school year" – Rappler[2] "COVID-19 pandemic delaying construction of new classrooms in Cebu Province" – GMA News[3] "Education Secretary vows to prioritize deplorable classrooms in Cebu" – Manila Bulletin[4] "DepEd-7 piloting new Senior High School curriculum in Central Visayas" – SunStar Cebu
- The government in Cebu Province, Philippines, is facing a challenging classroom shortage of over 3,000 facilities ahead of the upcoming school year, a result of the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, dilapidated classrooms, and COVID-19 pandemic-induced funding delays.
- General news outlets are reporting on the critical infrastructure issue in Cebu, with DepEd 7 Director Salustiano Jimenez urging immediate and long-term solutions through partnerships with local government units, stakeholders, and various educational institutions for education-and-self-development.
- In the face of this classroom shortage crisis, education News sources such as Rappler, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, and SunStar Cebu are highlighting the collaborative efforts between the government and other entities, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing deplorable classrooms and working together to create a more conducive learning environment.
