Senator Bam Aquino has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to immediately release classroom funds to LGUs to avoid delays similar to the Department of Public Works and Highways’ poor performance.
Aquino flagged the slow download of the P65-billion fund, warning it could delay construction and worsen the country’s 166,000-classroom backlog.
He noted DPWH built only 99 classrooms in 2025, far below its 1,700 target.
“To be honest, medyo nababagalan ako… I was hoping by the end of March, naka-download na yung pera so that LGUs can start building during the summertime,” the senator said.
Aquino warned delays could worsen if construction hits the rainy season but expressed hope DepEd will release funds on time.
He also pushed his Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act, which lets LGUs and NGOs take part in construction and complete projects in as fast as 200 days.IMT
