Manila: Senator Bam Aquino announced the approval of a PHP1.38 trillion allocation for the Department of Education (DepEd) for 2026, aimed at resolving the classroom backlog and enhancing student nutrition.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Senate's version of the 2026 national budget includes an additional PHP70 billion for education. Specifically, the funding for classroom construction has been significantly increased from PHP13.2 billion in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to PHP65.9 billion, marking a PHP52.7 billion rise. Additionally, the Senate is advocating for an increase in the budget for the school-based feeding program, from PHP11.7 billion to PHP28.6 billion, an increment of PHP16.9 billion.

Aquino emphasized that the Senate's budget version presents a robust solution to the existing classroom backlog, which requires approximately PHP540 billion for full resolution. Currently, the country faces a shortage of 165,000 classrooms, a number projected to exceed 200,000 in three years if not addressed.

The budget for classroom construction will be executed through various methods, including the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act. This act enables DepEd to collaborate with local government units and civil society organizations for the construction or leasing of classrooms, as well as pursue Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Aquino also urged DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara to implement a price cap for classroom construction, including those managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways and PPP implementers. He mentioned that at a cost of less than PHP2 million per classroom, the construction could increase from 23,000 to 32,000 classrooms.

On the nutrition front, Aquino stated that the enhanced budget would allow the school-based feeding program to extend from 120 to 200 feeding days. This expansion will ensure that all Kinder and Grade 1 students receive meals for 200 days. For students in Grades 2 to 6, the program will target those identified as 'wasted and severely wasted.' The expanded feeding initiative is expected to benefit approximately 3.5 million students.