As 27 million students head back to school, the Department of Education (DepEd) is once again grappling with familiar issues, with Education Secretary Sonny Angara acknowledging a significant challenge this year due to a shortage of 160,000 classrooms.

Angara highlighted various factors contributing to the growing need for classrooms, such as budget constraints, natural disasters, aging infrastructure, and population growth.

He emphasized that at the current rate of classroom construction funding, it would take the Philippines 55 years to address the backlog.

Angara proposed public-private partnerships to address the shortfall, aiming to build 100,000 classrooms during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s term through contractor loan agreements.

He mentioned a 10-year payment plan similar to a build-and-lease system, allowing the use of classrooms while payments are made.

With the creation of 20,000 teaching positions nationwide, the teaching gap has significantly narrowed, according to Angara.

Distance education is also being implemented to alleviate overcrowded classrooms with multiple shifts, where some classes have up to 45 students daily.

DepEd is running a summer reading program for students struggling with literacy, showing promising results.

Angara emphasized the need for teachers to focus on educating learners, which can be challenging due to large class sizes.

The K-10 curriculum is being adjusted to incorporate lessons on artificial intelligence, while approximately 800 schools will adopt a revised senior high school curriculum, reducing tracks from four to two and eliminating certain subjects.

Angara also mentioned the Local Water Utilities Administration's efforts to address water supply issues in school restrooms following Marcos' directive after a school visit in Bulacan.

DepEd has distributed smart TVs and laptops to various schools as part of early procurement activities, with 79% of the annual budget for the computerization program secured.

Textbook distribution aligned with the revised K-10 curriculum is being expedited, and alternative learning materials and digital content are accessible through the DepEd Learning Management System, Learning Resource Portal, and the Likha App.

Angara expressed optimism that the timely arrival of new equipment will enhance the teaching environment, making it more engaging and inspiring for educators.