Too many students.
Not enough space.
That’s the daily challenge in many Romblon schools.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is now responding.
New classrooms are being built across the province.
Will these efforts be enough?
And how will this affect your child?
The Problem
Some schools have over 50 students per room
Others use makeshift spaces like stage areas or hallways
Multi-grade teaching is common in remote areas
High temperatures make crowded rooms harder to endure
Teachers struggle to manage large groups.
Students get less attention and time.
Learning suffers.
What DepEd Is Doing
DepEd launched a program to improve school facilities in Romblon.
The plan includes:
Building new classrooms
Rehabilitating damaged ones
Providing temporary learning spaces
Prioritizing schools with critical shortages
Construction is ongoing in selected municipalities.
More areas are being surveyed.
Specific Areas Getting Help
So far, projects have started in:
Odiongan
San Fernando
Cajidiocan
Santa Maria
DepEd worked with local engineers to identify urgent needs.
Funds came from the national government’s Basic Education Facilities Fund.
Who Benefits
You may be wondering if your barangay is part of this.
Here’s who gets first priority:
Schools with the highest student-to-room ratios
Areas where typhoons damaged old buildings
Far-flung barangays with no permanent classrooms
You can ask your local school head or DepEd district office for updates.
What’s Inside the New Classrooms?
Each new room includes:
Proper ventilation
Standard chalkboards and teacher’s desks
New chairs and armchairs for students
Access to clean toilets nearby
Lighting and electrical outlets
They follow national classroom design standards.
Timeline and Progress
Construction started early this year
Some schools expect completion within 4 to 6 months
Delays may happen due to weather or material issues
DepEd teams conduct regular inspections
Contractors face penalties for late delivery.
So far, progress is on track in most areas.
What Are Parents Saying?
Some shared their thoughts:
“My daughter shares a desk with two others. We’re glad they’re building more,” said a parent in Santa Maria.
“Even just one new room would help so much,” another added from Cajidiocan.
Teachers say they look forward to smaller classes.
People want more than promises.
They want results—and soon.
How You Can Help
Even if you’re not part of DepEd, you can contribute.
Here’s how:
Join or support Brigada Eskwela programs
Attend school meetings to voice your needs
Volunteer in school-based construction efforts
Keep track of ongoing projects in your area
Report abandoned or delayed works
Better schools need community involvement.
Bigger Questions
More classrooms help, but what about:
Teacher shortages?
Lack of books and materials?
Rising enrollment every year?
Fixing one problem is a start.
But long-term planning must follow.
What’s Next?
DepEd plans to:
Continue building in under-served barangays
Track classroom usage and student ratios
Coordinate with LGUs for land and permits
Improve transparency through public reporting
Romblon schools are on the list.
But change will take time—and follow-through.
Final Thought
Every student deserves a proper space to learn.
That’s not a luxury.
It’s a basic need.
New classrooms bring hope.
But they also bring responsibility.
Keep asking:
Is my school next?
Is my child getting the space they need?