DepEd Launches Bold Initiative to Bridge Classroom and Digital Gaps Through Public-Private Partnerships

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a groundbreaking move to address the Philippines' long-standing classroom shortage and digital divide, Education Secretary Sonny Angara has unveiled an ambitious plan leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). With a vision to construct 15,000 classrooms by 2027 and pave the way for nationwide digital transformation, this initiative marks a pivotal step in reshaping the country's education landscape.

The plan was formally presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. during a recent meeting at Malacañang, following the signing of the Technical Assistance Agreement with the PPP Center in December 2024.

Addressing the Classroom Crisis with Strategic Investments

At the heart of the initiative is the PPP School Infrastructure Project (PSIP 3), an estimated PHP 37.5 billion to PHP 60 billion investment expected to benefit over 600,000 students nationwide and create at least 18,000 jobs.

“The classroom gap is a massive challenge, but we believe that leveraging private investments through PPPs is the most efficient and sustainable way to address this,” Secretary Angara emphasized.

The roadmap extends beyond PSIP 3, with future phases PSIP 4 and PSIP 5 aiming to scale construction to 30,000 and 60,000 classrooms, ensuring a long-term, scalable approach to solving the infrastructure deficit.

Digital Transformation and Solarization of Schools

In parallel with infrastructure expansion, DepEd is championing digital innovation to ensure Filipino students are not left behind in the digital age. By mid-2026, the department aims to roll out a comprehensive digitalization and solarization program. This includes:

Providing electricity to un-energized schools through solar power solutions.

Deploying Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet to unconnected schools for reliable connectivity.

Distributing tablets to learners and laptops to teachers for enhanced digital learning.

The connectivity initiative is poised to revolutionize classroom experiences, empower teachers with better tools, and grant students access to vast online educational resources.

“With a combination of strategic partnerships and digital investments, DepEd is committed to bridging both the classroom and digital divides to create a future-ready education system producing competitive and highly employable graduates,” Secretary Angara stated.

A Future-Ready Education System

This multi-faceted initiative is not merely about constructing classrooms or providing digital tools—it’s about transforming education into a robust, future-ready system. By combining infrastructure development, digital innovation, and sustainable energy solutions, DepEd aims to equip the youth with skills and opportunities to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

This strategic vision reflects DepEd's unwavering commitment to delivering accessible, quality education for every Filipino child.