A federation of private schools on Tuesday expressed its appreciation to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte for saying that the government is eyeing to rent out schools from the private schools as an immediate solution to the classroom shortage.
"We are thankful that finally, during the time of Vice President Sara (Duterte) this shall take fruition. The government can save since they need not build and can easily decongest timely for the 2 November order that all schools shall have to go face-to-face (classes)," Eleazardo Kasilag, chairperson of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools Administrators said.
"They stand to help private schools, too which right now some are up for sale or advertised for rent," Kasilag added.
According to Kasilag, as early as 2014, DepEd has been talking of lack of buildable space in the national capital region and at that time, FAPSA has been suggesting the absorptive capacity of the private schools as the solution.
"Three things delivered had it been done early: Congestion is addressed right away; private schools would not have closed and quality of education is promoted," he said.
Kasilag noted that school owners are helpless, and even if there is intention to continue operation, students leave for free public school and teachers transfer for higher pay.
"We can help DepEd facilitate this among FAPSA affected members especially those that have closed," Kasilag added.
According to him, at least 91,000 classrooms are needed and that is roughly 4.5 million of students if one room has 50 seats.
"Now, DepEd needs 6,066 private schools if private schools have 15 classrooms and 3.033 if the building has 30 classrooms," Kasilag said, adding that FAPSA can possibly get one half to three-fourth of the needed classrooms.
