The Department of Education (DepEd) 7 reported that Cebu Province needs 5,466 new classrooms to close the shortage in its public schools, as the Provincial Board (PB) moved to formalize an agreement allowing the Provincial Government to help build and repair school facilities.
Provincial Board Authorizes Agreement
The PB approved on July 6, 2026, a resolution authorizing a memorandum of agreement between DepEd and the Provincial Government for school infrastructure projects under the Basic Education Facilities Program. The measure, authored by PB Member Raymond Joseph Calderon, covers qualified local government units and allows construction, rehabilitation, and repair of public school buildings across the province, subject to government procurement rules, engineering standards, and DepEd guidelines.
Current Condition of Schools
DepEd 7 Director Arturo Bayocot and Cebu Province Schools Division Superintendent Senen Priscilo Paulin briefed the PB on the condition of public school facilities after classes opened in June. Paulin stated that the Cebu Province Schools Division has 14,183 classrooms, of which 6,261 need minor repairs and 4,155 require major repairs.
Regional Shortage
Bayocot said Central Visayas, comprising Cebu and Bohol, faces a regional shortage of 10,845 classrooms, while 23,842 existing classrooms need repairs. Only 14,592 classrooms in the region remain functional and in good condition. The region has about 1.56 million enrollees, with Cebu accounting for the largest share. The classroom shortage has also kept the student-teacher ratio above the ideal level.
Impact of Natural Disasters
Natural calamities, including Typhoon Tino and the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu in 2025, have increased the number of school buildings needing repair or reconstruction. Bayocot noted that DepEd has been using Learning Continuity Spaces to sustain classes while damaged buildings await repair or replacement.
Funding Challenges
Bayocot said government funds are limited, requiring DepEd to file infrastructure proposals in stages. DepEd 7 has proposed the construction of 2,726 classrooms, endorsed to the Regional Development Council 7, but only a portion of proposed projects is usually funded in a single fiscal year. Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, DepEd has a P1.015-trillion national budget for its operations nationwide.
The resolution did not specify the Provincial Government's allocation for the projects, priority areas, or timelines for construction and repairs.
