The Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will turn-over to the Department of Education 1,000 fully-equipped new classrooms not later than December 2012 -- its contribution to the perennial classroom shortage in the country.

The number of classrooms to be built by PAGCOR represents 10% of the maximum 10,000 units per year DepEd is capable of building given its limited funds for classroom construction.

The memorandum of agreement was signed in PhilSports Arena today, June 30, 2011 between DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro and PAGCOR chief executive officer Cristino Naguiat Jr, during the observance of President Aquino’s 100th day in office.

Part of PAGCOR’s mandate is to generate revenues for the country’s socio-civic, infrastructure and national development programs. The classrooms will have provisions for desks/armchairs, books and other educational materials.

PAGCOR will coordinate with DepEd the schools which need additional classrooms based on the department’s list of public elementary and secondary schools with classroom shortages.

Classroom shortage is a recurring problem in the Philippine public school system. Among the top reasons is the need to accommodate at least a million new entrants to public schools each year. The introduction of universal kindergarten in all public schools as part of the proposed K to 12 education reform program also resulted to the sharp demand for classrooms across the country.

DepEd is partnering with the private sector, other government agencies, individual donors, the local government units and international donor agencies to fill up education resource gaps.

DepEd early this year has signed an agreement with the League of Municipalities, Cities and Provinces to build classrooms in areas identified to be in acute shortage under the DepEd-LGU counter parting program.