SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized the need for a multi-pronged and collaborative approach to address the country’s persistent classroom shortage.

Gatchalian proposed a cost-sharing program between local government units and the national government to speed up the construction of classrooms nationwide.

“Solving the classroom shortage requires a multi-faceted strategy,” Gatchalian said. “One effective solution is a counterpart program where both LGUs and the national government share the cost of constructing new classrooms.”

He also called for stronger public-private partnerships and increased support for the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) program. These initiatives would help decongest public schools by encouraging enrollment in private institutions with government backing.

Gatchalian highlighted the importance of innovation and urgency in resolving infrastructure gaps in education.

“We must be resourceful and proactive in addressing these shortages,” he said. “Every student deserves access to a proper, safe, and conducive learning environment.”

The Department of Education previously projected a shortage of thousands of classrooms nationwide, a problem that worsens yearly with increasing enrollment.

Gatchalian’s proposals aim to deliver both immediate relief and long-term solutions to this pressing issue.