Education in the Philippines has made steady progress in recent years, with over 94% of children enrolled in primary school and 84% enrolled at the secondary level, according to the Department of Education¹. However, national assessments show that nearly 90% of Filipino students continue to struggle with basic literacy and numeracy skills, revealing ongoing learning gaps². UNESCO reports that more than 1.4 million Filipino children are still out of school, mainly because of poverty, limited infrastructure, and capacity challenges in rural areas³. Many public schools hold double or even triple class shifts to accommodate more than 40 students per classroom, well above the recommended average⁴. To address these challenges, the government has introduced the MATATAG education initiative, which focuses on strengthening literacy programs, improving school facilities, and supporting teachers in underserved communities⁵.
In the Cebu Province, these nationwide challenges are amplified by geographic isolation and infrastructure constraints. The province’s elementary school enrollment increased by more than 10% between 2018 and 2024, straining classroom space⁶. Several schools continue to operate in temporary structures, and many buildings require urgent repairs to withstand tropical weather and ensure student safety⁷. Teachers often rotate between shared spaces or hold lessons outdoors when classrooms are full. Addressing overcrowding and modernizing facilities has become a pressing local priority, essential to ensure that children in Bohol have consistent access to safe, high-quality learning environments.
This summer, HXP Builders will join the community in Cebu East to construct a nutrition and feeding center at a local elementary school serving approximately 300 students in grades 1–6. Many families in the area face economic hardship, and some children arrive at school without meals. While the Department of Education funds school feeding programs to address malnutrition, the school currently lacks a dedicated space where students can eat and receive proper nutrition. In partnership with Rise and Rebuild, this new facility will provide a safe and reliable place for students to participate in daily feeding programs. By ensuring children have access to nourishment during the school day, the project will help support their health, concentration, and ability to learn—creating lasting impact for students and families across the Cebu East community.
Sources:
¹ Department of Education
² World Bank
³ UNESCO
⁴ Asian Development Bank
⁵ Philippine Department of Education
⁶ Philippine Statistics Authority
⁷ UNICEF