CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Education (DepEd) has rolled out key initiatives aimed to resolve common issues faced by schools across Central Luzon, weeks after the school opening.
DepEd Regional Office 3 Policy, Planning and Research Division Chief Education Supervisor Matrose Galarion disclosed that the agency has ramped up the development of school infrastructure to address limited classrooms and overcrowding in some schools.
Based on regional data, about 48 new classrooms have already been constructed while 605 more are under construction across the region.
“These include both permanent and semi-permanent structures designed to ease congestion and create safer, more conducive learning environments. A master plan for school infrastructure from 2025 to 2028 has also been introduced to ensure long-term development,” she said.
Another pressing concern is the need for flexible learning options, especially in areas affected by calamities or ongoing infrastructure repair.
In response, DepEd Region 3 continues to implement and improve blended learning modalities to ensure that learners in affected communities can continue their education through alternative platforms.
Galarion added that schools division offices also conducted learning audits and introduced unique summer programs to assess student progress and bridge learning gaps.
“We have also completed strategic deployment of teachers based on classroom requirements and subjects needs through our crucial resources inventory. In-service training programs focusing on curriculum delivery, assessment, and inclusive education have also been rolled out,” she said.
To address concerns about outdated or insufficient learning materials, DepEd Region 3 has prepositioned learning materials, textbooks, workbooks, and digital content in all divisions.
Efforts were also put in place to align materials with the revised curriculum and to support multi-lingual instruction, as well as forged partnerships to develop travelling schools.
Recognizing the health and well-being of students, DepED Region 3 has also expanded its school-based feeding program in partnership with different stakeholders and focusing more on early grade learners showing signs of malnutrition.
“The region is also set to implement a standardized formative assessment framework starting the first quarter to better monitor learner progress and form instructional interventions,” Galarion added.
In terms of modernizing its operations and bridging the digital divide, DepEd Region 3 has launched several digital transformation efforts including expanding internet connectivity, distributing digital devices, and automating internal systems such as human resources and procurement.
“These proactive responses by DepEd Region 3 not only address the immediate problems encountered in the opening weeks of school but also lay the groundwork for a more resilient, equitable, and learner-focused education system in Central Luzon,” Galarion said.
For his part, DepEd Regional Director Ronnie Mallari said despite the challenges that were encountered during the first weeks of the school opening, the agency is always ready and is doing its best to ensure smooth conduct of the school year from beginning to end.
“Despite the challenges and obstacles, I can say that the opening of classes is generally peaceful. We are ready with data. The data were reviewed empirically because there is constant fact checking. That became our springboard toward the holding of the Brigada Eskwela, as well as the implementation of key strategies addressing teachers’ and learners’ concerns,” he pressed.
As of June 27, 2025, DepEd Region III registered a total number of 2,795,332 enrollees in all sectors.
Of the total number, 2,349,362 are enrolled in public schools; 440,435 in private schools; and 5,544 in state/local universities and colleges. (CLJD/MJSC,PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
