Private community schools flourish within townships

CEBU, Philippines — The growth of integrated developments in Metro Cebu has opened new business opportunities for educators to invest in private community schools.

Retired international school teachers—Elena Balmoria-Camasura and Imee Balmoria-Apa-ap established the Dream Learning Academy located in Barangay Bangkal, Lapu-Lapu City.

Working in partnership with Architect Daryl B. Garcia, Camasura and Apa-ap said that the school, which opened in 2023 saw encouraging enrollments from nearby communities, affirming the high potential of investing in private education services.

“When we opened last year, we saw an overwhelming response in terms of the number of enrollees. Working parents prefer to send their children to schools close to their homes or workplaces,” said Garcia, who is the Dream Learning Academy president.

Dream Learning Academy initially offered Playgroups, Nursery and Kinder 1 programs in 2023. This year, the school has expanded its programs, offering Kinder 2 and Grade 1.

Garcia said that proximity is the top consideration of parents when looking for schools for their children, alongside the quality of education and the environment.

Garcia, who is a close relative to Camasura and Apa-ap considered their joint investment in education as a family business, continuing the legacy of their grandmother, Rita.

Their passion for education has kept them motivated, so much so that even in their retirement years, they still desire to teach children.

Noting the school’s success in attracting numerous students, Garcia stated that their goal is to expand it into an elementary school in the coming years, adding two grade levels each year. They are also considering expanding to Mandaue City, leveraging the strong presence of township developments in the area.

Affirming Dream Learning Academy’s success in investing in the education business, Colliers Philippines director for research Joey Bondoc said neighborhood schools are now considered as one of the emerging trends with the rise of townships and integrated developments.

A survey conducted by Colliers revealed that 62 percent of respondents prioritized proximity to offices, shopping malls, and other amenities as their main consideration when purchasing residential property, whether in an established or emerging business district.

Bondoc emphasized that educational facilities are crucial in every township's integrated development, as residents prefer having everything within easy reach.

“Institutional facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and schools are important in every township to attract end-users and investors. Having a neighborhood school in a township is a no-brainer to serve the residents in a master-planned community,” Bondoc said.

Although the outlook for private education investments is promising, Bondoc advised that these institutions should consistently enhance their curriculum and offer top-quality educational programs to meet the basic and higher education needs of residents.

“Neighborhood schools will also be key in promoting the 15-minute community principle within a master-planned development,” Bondoc added.

Garcia said that Dream Learning Academy aims to support working parents by providing a conducive learning environment for their children, conveniently located near their workplaces or homes. — (FREEMAN)