Gatchalian: 2026 budget to fast-track classroom construction

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the proposed 2026 national budget will significantly speed up classroom construction as the government moves to address the long-standing shortage of basic education facilities.

Under the enrolled budget, P85 billion is allocated for classroom construction and rehabilitation, with P65.9 billion set for the construction, replacement, and completion of kindergarten to secondary school buildings, including technical-vocational laboratories.

“Hindi lamang tayo naglaan ng mas malaking pondo para sa pagpapatayo ng mga classrooms. Tiniyak din nating mapapabilis ito sa pamamagitan ng aktibong pakikilahok ng iba’t ibang sektor,” said Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance.

He said the budget gives the Department of Education greater flexibility in construction modes, including public-private partnerships. 

DepEd may also partner with DPWH, qualified local government units, civil society and non-government groups, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Corps of Engineers to allow simultaneous classroom construction nationwide, the senator furthered.IMT