Manila: The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has put forward a recommendation to terminate shifting schedules for students from Kindergarten to Grade 3. This suggestion emerged during the Senate Basic Education Committee’s initial session in the 20th Congress, which was convened to address the nationwide shortage of 165,000 classrooms.

According to Philippines News Agency, the scarcity of classrooms has compelled numerous schools to implement double or triple shifts, thereby reducing the time available for young students who are largely dependent learners. EDCOM has also urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to collaborate with local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to expedite classroom construction and reduce associated costs.

EDCOM 2 co-chair and Senate Basic Education Chairperson, Senator Bam Aquino, highlighted that the shortage figures exclude classrooms that are in poor condition, overcrowded, or constructed in the 1960s, which are now either condemned or repurposed as evacuation centers. ‘Our consultations with teachers and parents consistently show that children struggle to learn in overcrowded, dilapidated spaces,’ Aquino stated.

In response to the pressing need for more classrooms, Aquino has advocated for Senate Bill No. 121, known as the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act. This bill aims to empower LGUs and private entities to construct classrooms with financial support from the national government.

EDCOM 2 Commissioner, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, expressed his support for the proposed measure, referencing his tenure as mayor of Valenzuela City. During his time as mayor, ‘counterparting’ programs enabled the national government, LGUs, and private organizations to simultaneously engage in construction efforts.