The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is working with the Public-Private Partnership Center, Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of Finance (DOF) to tap private sector financing for the construction of 11,096 new classrooms across Mindanao.
The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to accelerate the delivery of education infrastructure and address the region’s classroom shortage.
The proposal was presented during the PPP School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) Investor Forum on Tuesday, September 1, where MinDA Chairperson and Secretary Leo Tereso Magno highlighted the need for greater private sector participation in expanding education facilities.
Magno said investments in education and human capacity are essential to achieving long-term development in Mindanao.
“You cannot bring in real development if you do not train the youth, if you do not invest in human capacity, in human capability, and the best way to do that is to invest in our young people,” Magno said.
He described education as “the biggest equalizer” and a key opportunity for communities to improve their prospects.
The PSIP IV-Mindanao tranche will cover 11,096 classrooms, contributing to efforts to address the region’s estimated shortage of 51,445 classrooms.
The project will adopt the Build, Lease, and Transfer modality, with the facilities designed to be safe, fit-for-purpose, climate-resilient, and conducive to learning.
MinDA said the initiative is intended to harness private sector financing and expertise to help speed up the delivery of classroom facilities while strengthening investments in Mindanao’s human capital.
