Around 440 private schools in the PH have declared their intentions to suspend operations indefinitely due to lack of financial sustainability.
Several private schools in the PH affected by the pandemic
More than 400 private schools in the PH expressed their disappointment about having to suspend their operations for the upcoming school year as the pandemic impaled their financial capacity to operate. According to the Department of Education, the low number of enrollees has caused the temporary closure of the involved private schools in PH. The total number of private schools opting out this school year composes three percent of the 14,435 private schools in the PH.
Most of the schools who declared for suspension are located in the Luzon area. The breakdown is as follows: Region III – 88 schools, Region IV – 67, Region VI – 48, and Metro Manila with 54. The majority of the schools involved are elementary schools.
Students shifting from private schools to public schools
Admittedly, the Department of Education Undersecretary Jesus Mateo confirmed that the lack of student enrollees have greatly contributed to the big loss of private schools in the PH. Due to the pandemic, the financial capacity of several families has significantly declined. More parents are opting to enroll their children in public schools instead, as the process of online learning is similar to some private schools.
On record, around 400,000 private school students have opted to enroll in public schools for this upcoming school year. Public schools are expected to start the school year on October 5.
