Amid the continuing nationwide classroom shortage, Senator Win Gatchalian is urging cities to accelerate the construction of school buildings to ensure students have access to safe and adequate learning spaces.
The appeal comes following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Department of Education (DepEd) and various cities for the implementation of a nationwide classroom building program. Gatchalian said the agreement is consistent with provisions under the 2026 national budget, which grants DepEd greater flexibility in carrying out classroom construction projects.
Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, DepEd is authorized to enter into MOAs with other government agencies, including local government units (LGUs), to speed up the building of classrooms. The department may also partner with non-governmental organizations and civil society groups to support construction efforts.
More than P65 billion has been allocated this year for the construction, replacement, and completion of kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school buildings, including technical-vocational laboratories. Despite the funding, the country still faces a backlog of 147,000 classrooms as of July 2025.
“Mahalaga ang pakikipagtulungan natin sa mga lungsod upang makapagpatayo tayo ng mas maraming silid-aralan. Kung maraming lungsod ang sabay-sabay na kikilos, mababawasan ang mga silid-aralan na may nagsisiksikang mga mag-aaral,” said Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance.
The senator emphasized that stronger collaboration between national and local governments is key to addressing overcrowding and improving the quality of education nationwide.
