Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has expressed confidence that the significant education allocation in the 2026 national budget will accelerate the construction of much-needed school facilities across the Philippines. The lawmaker emphasized that the government is set to address the longstanding backlog in basic education infrastructure through a substantial funding injection.
Massive Budget Allocation for School Buildings
According to the details of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), a total of P85 billion has been earmarked specifically for the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms nationwide. This massive fund is a central part of the government's strategy to resolve the critical shortage of learning spaces.
Out of this total allocation, a dedicated portion of P6.5 billion is designated for the completion of school buildings catering to all levels—from kindergarten up to secondary school. This fund also covers the development of technical-vocational laboratories, which are crucial for skills-based education.
Accelerating Construction Through Multi-Sector Collaboration
Senator Gatchalian highlighted that the initiative goes beyond just providing funds. "We have not only allocated a larger fund for the construction of classrooms, we have also ensured it will be expedited through the active participation of various sectors," he stated. This approach suggests a coordinated effort involving both government agencies and private partners to fast-track project implementation and ensure timely delivery.
The urgency of this funding is underscored by the Department of Education's (DepEd) own ambitious target. The agency is aiming to construct a staggering 165,000 new classrooms throughout the country. This goal is a direct response to the severe classroom shortage, a problem exacerbated by consistently increasing student enrollment numbers every year.
Addressing a National Crisis in Education Infrastructure
The classroom backlog represents a major challenge for the Philippine basic education system. The lack of adequate facilities forces many schools to operate in multiple shifts or use makeshift spaces, which can severely compromise the quality of learning.
The planned projects under the 2026 budget are expected to have a wide-ranging impact:
- Reducing overcrowding in public schools.
- Providing safer and more conducive learning environments.
- Supporting the expansion of technical-vocational programs with proper laboratories.
If implemented efficiently, this P85-billion investment could mark a significant turning point in modernizing the country's educational infrastructure and improving the overall learning experience for millions of Filipino students.
