69% of Public School Sites Remain Untitled, Raising Concerns for Education Infrastructure

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly seven in 10 public schools nationwide stand on land that has yet to be titled in the name of the Department of Education (DepEd), a longstanding ownership issue that could hamper the government’s efforts to accelerate classroom construction, according to data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2). The report from Edcom 2 indicates that public schools with unclear land ownership face risks of project delays due to the time required for land acquisition and the clarification of property rights, potentially impacting the learning environment for students. This issue highlights structural challenges in investing in and efficiently implementing projects within the education sector in the Philippines. Unresolved land titles can pose unexpected obstacles not only for new school constructions and renovations but also for utilizing facilities as evacuation centers during disasters or for community partnership projects. The Department of Education needs to strengthen coordination with relevant agencies to expedite titling procedures and clarify land ownership. Resolving these foundational infrastructure issues is crucial for achieving the government's goal of providing quality education opportunities to all citizens.