Classroom shortage down to 143,543 – DepEd

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education yesterday maintained that the classroom shortage is down to 143,543 after the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) said the country still faces a backlog of more than 166,000 classrooms.

“As of June 2026, the estimated nationwide classroom backlog stands at 143,543 classrooms, down from 165,443 classrooms at the start of the administration,” DepEd said in an accomplishment report issued ahead of the State of the Nation Address of President Marcos tomorrow.

“The classroom backlog is an estimate based on completed classrooms and continues to be refined through ongoing validation of enrolment, school inventory and site conditions,” the agency explained.

DepEd said that from August to December 2025, at least 1,538 classrooms have been built. It was added with 1,826 more classrooms from January to July this year.

The agency said that for 2026, the Department of Public Works and Highways has at least P21.4 billion for the construction of 6,294 classrooms while local government units have been allocated at least P21.2 billion for the construction of 6,617 classrooms.

Meanwhile, DepEd said 32,916 new teaching positions have been created for 2026 to help address teacher shortages and strengthen the delivery of basic education.

“The government is procuring lapel microphones for all public school teachers to support classroom instruction and improve teaching delivery. To allow teachers to focus more on teaching, additional positions are being created and deployed,” DepEd said.

To reduce the need for teachers to perform counseling functions, 10,000 school counselor associates will be hired to provide psychosocial support and learner well-being services.

DepEd also said that at least 11,268 Administrative Officer II position will be opened to take over administrative tasks previously handled by teachers, and 5,000 Project Development Officer positions have been created for the implementation of programs and initiatives, such as the School-Based Feeding Program.