DepEd Expands Classroom Leasing Program to Address Shortage and Overcrowding in Public Schools
Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced that the initiative aims to provide immediate learning spaces for students, particularly in highly congested public schools, without waiting for the completion of new school buildings.
Through the program, DepEd can lease existing private school facilities that meet government standards, allowing overcrowded public schools to accommodate more learners in suitable classrooms.
Faster Solution to Classroom Shortages
According to Angara, traditional classroom construction projects often take several years to complete, making it necessary to explore alternative solutions that can respond more quickly to the growing demand for learning spaces.
By leasing ready-to-use facilities, DepEd hopes to reduce overcrowding, minimize the need for shifting class schedules, and provide students and teachers with more conducive learning environments.
“We cannot rely solely on traditional construction timelines when our children need classrooms today,” Angara said.
He emphasized that classroom leasing is not intended to replace the construction of new school buildings but to complement ongoing infrastructure projects.
Baliwag and Marikina Serve as Successful Models
DepEd identified successful classroom leasing arrangements in Baliwag City, Bulacan, and Marikina City as models for expanding the initiative to other areas.
In Baliwag City, Pinagbarilan Integrated School expanded its learning facilities by leasing nine classrooms from Gardenersfield School Incorporated.
Beginning June 8, 2026, approximately 189 learners were accommodated in the leased classrooms, which are located less than 10 meters from the school's main campus.
Meanwhile, in Marikina City, Kapitan Moy Elementary School opened an extension campus on October 1, 2026, through the leasing of seven classrooms at Covenant Children Academy.
The additional facility, located approximately 500 meters from the main school, now accommodates 632 Grade 5 and Grade 6 learners.
These arrangements have helped ease classroom congestion and provide additional learning spaces without requiring the immediate construction of new buildings.
Part of DepEd's Broader Infrastructure Strategy
The classroom leasing initiative forms part of DepEd's comprehensive approach to addressing the country's classroom shortage.
Aside from leasing private properties, the department continues to pursue classroom construction and infrastructure development through partnerships with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units (LGUs), and private organizations.
Other initiatives include Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and the establishment of DepEd Learning Continuity Spaces to support schools experiencing classroom congestion.
DepEd believes that combining these approaches will help accelerate the availability of learning facilities while longer-term construction projects continue.
More Schools Being Evaluated for Leasing
Following the implementation of classroom leasing arrangements in Baliwag and Marikina, DepEd regional and division offices are evaluating additional private school facilities that may be suitable for public school use.
The department emphasized that potential leasing arrangements must comply with standards for safety, accessibility, and proximity to existing public school campuses.
Priority will be given to schools experiencing severe overcrowding, particularly in urban communities where available land for new school buildings is limited.
Improving Learning Conditions for Teachers and Students
The expansion of the leasing program is expected to help address some of the challenges associated with overcrowded classrooms, including limited learning space and shifting schedules.
By providing additional classrooms, DepEd aims to create more comfortable and organized learning environments where teachers can conduct lessons effectively and students can participate in classroom activities.
The initiative also highlights the department's continuing efforts to maximize available public and private resources in addressing infrastructure needs.
As more potential facilities undergo evaluation, classroom leasing is expected to remain one of DepEd's strategies for providing faster relief to public schools facing classroom shortages.
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October 31, 2026
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