Manila: Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian announced that the 2026 national budget will significantly accelerate classroom construction to address the persistent backlog in basic education facilities. Under the enrolled 2026 budget measure, PHP85 billion is allotted for the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms.
According to Philippines News Agency, PHP65.9 billion of the budget is allocated for the construction, replacement, and completion of kindergarten to secondary school buildings, as well as technical-vocational laboratories. Gatchalian emphasized that the budget not only allocates more funds for classroom construction but also ensures the acceleration of these projects through the active participation of various sectors.
The chair of the Senate Committee on Finance highlighted that the 2026 national budget will provide the Department of Education (DepEd) with flexibility regarding the modalities for classroom construction, including public-private partnerships. To facilitate simultaneous constructions nationwide, the DepEd may collaborate with the Department of Public Works and Highways, qualified local government units, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and even the Armed Forces of the Philippines Corp of Engineers.
The DepEd aims to build 165,000 classrooms to address the significant existing shortage and support rising enrollment. This initiative involves partnerships with local government units, the private sector, and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
