DEPARTMENT of Education Secretary Sonny Angara is pushing for public-private partnerships to speed up the construction of school buildings and classrooms to address the ongoing shortage.

“Ang itinutulak natin ngayon is mag-PPP tayo, public-private partnerships. Ibig sabihin, malakihan, bulto-bulto, 1,000 classrooms. Magpapa-bid tayo ng isang libong school buildings at i-o-offer natin sa private sector na magko-construct,” Angara said.

The Education Secretary shared this during a recent dialogue with school leaders and teachers in La Paz, Tarlac.

Given the limited resources and persistent classroom shortages, Angara also called for increased awareness of the Adopt-A-School Program, highlighting the tax incentives available for companies and enterprises that participate.

“Baka hindi alam noong ibang negosyante o ibang nagdo-donate, ibang charitable organizations, ipaalam niyo sa kanila na kapag nagdo-donate sila ng school building, maide-deduct nila doon sa kanilang taxable income,” Angara explained.

“Marami lang hindi nakakaalam na may batas na ganoon. So with the help of the community, sana maipaalam natin sa kanila,” he added.

Angara further emphasized the agency’s commitment to prioritizing digital technology to improve learning opportunities and introduce innovations for both students and educators.