The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) reported that 58 National Housing Authority (NHA) housing projects lack planned education facilities, worsening classroom shortages in the Philippines.These projects, located in Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, and Metro Manila, house over 167,000 units.

Existing schools cannot accommodate the influx of students from these projects, with some areas like Naic, Cavite, facing a 5,405-student enrollment spike.

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee highlighted that policies are silent on the cumulative challenges of multiple housing sites without schools.

The Department of Education (DepEd) and DHSUD signed a 2025 memorandum of understanding to address the issue, but funding for school facilities in housing projects may not be released this year.Meanwhile, the Philippines faces a 166,000-classroom backlog, with over P23 billion allocated for 2026 classroom construction.Local government units (LGUs) and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are being explored to accelerate projects, though funding delays persist.

The Senate hearing emphasized the urgent need for government action to prioritize school construction in high-congestion areas and ensure adequate resources for students.