Manila: Sen. Bam Aquino on Thursday called for the immediate rollout of the PHP65 billion fund for classroom construction under the 2026 national budget to accelerate efforts to address the country's school infrastructure shortage. Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, emphasized the need for the Department of Education (DepEd) to promptly download the funds to local government units (LGUs) so the construction of new classrooms can begin as soon as possible.
According to Philippines News Agency, Aquino highlighted the importance of quickly distributing the funds to partner local governments to expedite the construction of classrooms. He stated, "Mahalagang maibaba sa lalong madaling panahon ang pondo sa ating mga katuwang na lokal na pamahalaan para agad nang masimulan ang pagtatayo ng mga classroom (It is important that the funds be downloaded as soon as possible to our partner local governments so the construction of classrooms can begin immediately)."
Aquino further explained that accelerating the construction process would ensure more students have access to a proper and safe learning environment. "Sa ganitong paraan, mas mapapabilis ang pagpapatayo ng mga silid-aralan at mas maraming estudyante ang mabibigyan ng maayos at ligtas na lugar para matuto (In this way, the construction of classrooms will be accelerated and more students will have a proper and safe place to learn)," he added.
The senator underscored the urgency of addressing the country's estimated 165,000-classroom backlog, noting that the fund's rollout is crucial not only for educational infrastructure but also for generating employment through nationwide school building projects. Under the 2026 national budget, DepEd is given the flexibility to collaborate with LGUs, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations with proven track records in building classrooms, provided they adhere to the agency's standards and guidelines.
Additionally, the Senate has approved Aquino's proposed Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act, which aims to empower LGUs and qualified organizations to directly undertake classroom construction in their respective areas. The act seeks to streamline the process and set price ceilings to prevent corruption while ensuring effective and efficient use of resources.
