Classroom Crisis: DepEd's Budget Shortfall Puts Education at Risk

--- The Budget Breakdown: Where the Funds Are Going The DepEd's approved budget for 2025 stands at a staggering P793.17 billion. However, a significant portion of this budget is allocated to maintenance and operational expenses rather than infrastructure development. Specifically, P49.76 billion is set aside for the daily operational costs of elementary and secondary schools, while P40.51 billion is earmarked for government assistance and subsidies. New personnel positions will consume another P34 billion, leaving a meager P29.3 billion for basic education facilities, which includes the construction of classrooms. This allocation raises critical questions about the prioritization of educational funding. With classrooms being a fundamental component of a quality education, the limited budget for infrastructure development is alarming. --- The Challenge of Attracting Investment Angara pointed out that attracting private investors for classroom construction is considerably more challenging than for other infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges. The difference lies in profitability; investors typically seek projects that promise lucrative returns, and the construction of classrooms does not offer the same financial incentives. As a result, the DepEd is left grappling with the reality that it cannot rely solely on public-private partnerships to solve the classroom shortage. “We are not sure because we are still fully developing our PPP (public-private partnership) proposals,” Angara stated, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding future funding sources. --- A Call for Strengthened Public Education In light of these challenges, Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel has criticized the DepEd's proposal to exclude affluent students from free college education programs, arguing that the focus should instead be on strengthening the public education system. This sentiment reinforces the notion that addressing the classroom shortage is not just a financial issue but also a moral imperative to ensure equitable access to education for all. ---

--- The Road Ahead: Exploring Innovative Solutions As the DepEd seeks solutions to its budgetary constraints, there are discussions about integrating technology into the curriculum, including the use of artificial intelligence. This approach could potentially optimize learning experiences and make education more accessible. However, the effectiveness of these innovations will largely depend on the foundational infrastructure that classrooms provide. ---