Filipino Parents Express Concerns Over Classroom Conditions as School Year Approaches
Filipino parents worry about overcrowded classrooms, heatwave as school opening nears
Image: Khaleej Times
As the new academic year begins on June 8 in the Philippines, parents like Rosanna are worried about overcrowded classrooms and extreme heat affecting their children. With 23.5 million students returning to school, the country faces a classroom shortage of 165,000 units, exacerbated by climate change impacts.
- 01The Philippine government announced the academic year will start on June 8, affecting 23.5 million students.
- 02There is a significant classroom shortage of 165,000 units, with an average of 60 students per class, far exceeding the global recommendation of 23.
- 03The Department of Education has only managed to build an average of 192 classrooms annually under Vice President Sara Duterte's tenure.
- 04UNICEF-Philippines has launched a campaign addressing the dangers of extreme heat for children, emphasizing their vulnerability during high temperatures.
- 05Parents are concerned about the impact of overcrowded classrooms and heat on their children's health and learning.
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As the Philippines prepares for the new academic year starting June 8, parents are increasingly anxious about the conditions their children will face in schools. With approximately 23.5 million students set to return, concerns are heightened due to overcrowded classrooms and extreme heat, with a reported shortage of 165,000 classrooms nationwide. The average public school class size is around 60 students, significantly higher than the global average of 23. This situation has persisted despite efforts by the Department of Education, which has struggled to meet classroom construction goals, particularly during Vice President Sara Duterte's term as education secretary, where only 192 classrooms were built annually against a target of 6,400. Additionally, UNICEF-Philippines has raised alarms about the health risks posed by extreme heat, noting that children are particularly vulnerable to heat stress and related illnesses. Parents like Rosanna, who recently shopped for school supplies, reflect on the challenges of ensuring their children's comfort and safety in the upcoming school year.
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The overcrowded classrooms and extreme heat conditions could severely affect the health and learning capabilities of students.
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