WITH classes opening in two weeks, Cebu Province faces a shortage of more than 3,000 classrooms and facilities.
Department of Education (DepEd) 7 Director Salustiano Jimenez revealed the deficit during a news forum on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
He said that delays in the construction of new classrooms were due to past natural disasters, particularly typhoon Odette (Rai), which ravaged the region in December 2021. Many dilapidated classrooms also remain unrepaired.
Jimenez said the Covid-19 pandemic also delayed funding for classroom construction.
He has coordinated with Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who committed to fast-tracking solutions by giving priority to old and dilapidated classrooms.
In preparation for the school year, Jimenez has visited various division offices and met with local government units and other stakeholders.
During these meetings, he outlined the extent of the infrastructure problem and urged collaboration on immediate and long-term solutions.
The lack of classrooms has led some students to attend classes scheduled early in the morning or late into the evening, he said.
Jimenez said preparations are underway for the opening of the school year on June 16.
The Brigada Eskwela will be launched on Monday, June 9, while training for the new Matatag curriculum began last week. / EHP