The Department of Education (DepEd) is preparing to launch a massive classroom-building program through public-private partnerships (PPP), with a target of constructing 50,000 to 60,000 classrooms—provided Congress allocates sufficient funding.

In an interview on Dos Por Dos, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency is currently fine-tuning the system for private sector participation in the initiative.

“Inaayos na ho, maraming proposal yung tinatawag na solicited at unsolicited proposal sa ilalim ng PPP program o yung tinatawag na public-private partnership,” Angara explained.

“Ito yung kung magpapabid ka ng classroom, ibibiding ninyo hindi na na bente or trenta kundi isang libo,” he added.

Angara emphasized that the program will attract established contractors, particularly those known for constructing malls and commercial buildings, rather than firms that focus on the controversial flood control projects.

He noted that such private sector collaborations have a proven track record, citing that similar PPP initiatives conducted more than a decade ago resulted in the construction of 12,000 to 15,000 classrooms.

When asked about the remaining three-year plan to address classroom shortages, Angara said the minimum target is 40,000 classrooms, aligning with the goal set by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in his 2025 State of the Nation Address which is anticipated to continue provided with the necessary funding.