Palace assures timely release of funds for classroom construction

Malacañang assured Senator Bam Aquino that funds intended for classroom construction under the 2026 national budget will be released and disbursed to local government units (LGUs) on time.

Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto gave the assurance during a meeting with Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education and has been advocating for a ₱65-billion allocation to address the country’s 166,000-classroom backlog.

“Sa pakikipag-pulong ni Senator Bam Aquino kay Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto noon nakaraang Linggo upang pag-usapan ang mga programa sa edukasyon at sa hinaharap na krisis ng ating bansa dahilan sa gyera sa Gitnang Silangan, tiniyak ni Executive Secretary Recto na tutukan ang classroom backlog sa pamamagitan ng on-time fund release at mas mabilis na pagbigay nito sa mga LGU," Recto’s official Facebook page stated.

Under the 2026 budget, the Department of Education (DepEd) is granted flexibility in implementing classroom construction projects, including entering into partnerships with LGUs, civil society organizations, and non-government organizations with reputable track records.

Recto and Aquino also discussed the proposed Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, which would allow LGUs and qualified NGOs to construct classrooms within their jurisdictions, subject to DepEd standards.

“Kaugnay nito ang panukalang batas na Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, na naglalayong pabilisin ang pagtatayo ng mga silid-aralan upang matugunan ang kakulangan sa classrooms sa bansa at mapahusay ang kalidad ng pagkatuto ng ating mga estudyante. Sa kasalukuyan, tinatayang higit sa 166,000 ang classroom backlog,” Recto pointed out.

The Senate has approved Senate Bill No. 1482, or the CAP Act, on third and final reading with a 22-0 vote, without opposition or abstentions.

The measure seeks not only to address the classroom shortage but also to streamline the construction process and introduce safeguards against corruption, including a price ceiling for building costs.

Officials said the program is also expected to generate over 100,000 jobs nationwide, providing a boost to local economies.

During the meeting, Recto and Aquino also discussed the need for a whole-of-government response to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East to ensure the welfare of affected Filipinos.

“Tinalakay rin ang kahalagahan ng isang pinagsama-samang pagkilos ng buong pamahalaan upang epektibong matugunan ang krisis sa Middle East, nang sa gayon ay masiguro ang maagap, maayos, at magkakaugnay na pagtugon para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayang lubhang naaapektuhan nito,” Recto said.