Davao del Sur Inaugurates ₱5M School Building to Ease Classroom Shortage
Students and educators at Sta. Cruz Senior National High School in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, celebrated a significant enhancement to their learning facilities on Friday, January 23, 2026. The provincial government officially turned over a new three-classroom school building valued at nearly ₱5 million, marking a crucial step in addressing the persistent issue of overcrowded classrooms in public schools across the Philippines.
Provincial Leaders Emphasize Commitment to Education
The turnover ceremony was led by Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas and Vice Governor Marc Cagas, with the presence of 1st District Board Members Rey Ayo, Rey Aballe, Shiela Cagas, and Marla Almendras, demonstrating strong provincial support for strengthening basic education infrastructure. Ryan C. Nalam, principal of Sta. Cruz National High School (Senior High), expressed gratitude, stating, "This infrastructure project reflects the province's steadfast commitment to strengthen basic education and ensure that our learners are provided with safe, adequate, and child-friendly spaces."
Vice Governor Cagas highlighted the broader educational goals during the event, noting, "We are here in Sta. Cruz Senior High School, a seat of education, the seat of development for our students. It is of utmost importance that we do not only aim to develop our students academically, but we should teach our children, including ourselves, the value of good morals." This statement underscores the dual focus on academic excellence and character development in the province's educational initiatives.
Why Adequate Classrooms Are Essential for Learning
Education experts and research consistently emphasize that the physical learning environment has a direct impact on student outcomes. Studies from institutions like Walden University indicate that adequate classroom space improves academic focus and reduces distractions, enabling teachers to engage more effectively with students. Overcrowded classrooms are often linked to:
- Poorer learning outcomes and reduced academic performance
- Increased noise and behavioral disruptions
- Limited opportunities for individualized instruction
- Teachers spending more time on behavior management rather than core teaching
Well-designed classrooms, featuring proper space, lighting, temperature control, and layout, support student motivation, comfort, and engagement. These factors can significantly influence concentration and participation, ultimately affecting academic performance and overall wellbeing. In the Philippines, the Department of Education has estimated a need for tens of thousands of additional classrooms to fully support K-12 instruction without resorting to shift systems or shared learning spaces, highlighting a nationwide challenge.
Addressing National and Local Educational Goals
The completion of this classroom building at Sta. Cruz Senior NHS aligns with broader efforts by local governments to partner with the education sector in tackling the classroom deficit. Principal Nalam reiterated, "Students deserve learning spaces that match the quality of education we aim to provide," stressing that such infrastructure improvements also boost teacher performance and morale. Vice Governor Cagas added that creating environments that respect student dignity and comfort facilitates not only academic achievement but also the molding of values and character.
This project serves as a model for other regions facing similar issues, showcasing how provincial investments can directly enhance educational quality and address critical needs in public schools.
