The Multi-Dimensional Congestion Index (MDCI) is a school-level policy analytics tool that measures congestion across classrooms, sanitation and WASH facilities, and staffing. By combining several DepEd datasets into a single composite view, MDCI helps decision-makers identify structural pressures across schools and support more targeted prioritization of facilities, staffing, and planning interventions.
MDCI supports EDCOM II reform themes on infrastructure, governance, and evidence-based planning and aligns with Q-BEDP priorities on adequate learning environments. The project also connects to Philippine Development Plan priorities on human capital infrastructure and public investment targeting, with an emphasis on the responsible integration and use of school-level administrative data.
ECAIR works with the Education Facilities Division and Planning Service, with MEO and Executive Committee stakeholders involved in the review and potential decision use of the index. ECAIR leads the design and analysis of MDCI and supports its continued validation, refinement, and consideration for use in DepEd planning processes.
An initial version of MDCI was presented to DepEd's Executive Committee during its 73rd meeting on June 2, 2026. At that stage of the analysis, 92.9 percent of public schools registered an MDCI below 0.25, while a smaller group of approximately 389 schools emerged as requiring more focused attention. These findings formed part of the project's initial evidence base for further validation, refinement, and policy discussion.
MDCI remains an ongoing project. Subsequent work continues to refine the index, validate its analytical approach, and explore its potential applications in education planning and decision-making. This page reflects publicly releasable project information and will be updated as additional milestones are completed.