A significant push to address the country’s classroom shortage is underway as P68 billion in the proposed 2026 national budget is set to fund the construction of up to 27,000 new classrooms, the Senate Committee on Finance announced Wednesday. 

The panel, chaired by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, approved an additional P19.3 billion to augment the P48.7 billion already allotted under the General Appropriations Bill (House Bill No. 4058). 

The new allocation represents a massive increase from the P15.25 billion originally proposed under the National Expenditure Program (NEP), nearly five times the initial amount.

Gatchalian said the expanded funding demonstrates the Senate’s commitment to easing the persistent classroom deficit that has long strained public schools nationwide.

Beyond increased funding, the proposed budget also introduces greater flexibility for the Department of Education (DepEd) in implementing classroom construction. 

Under the measure, DepEd may forge partnerships with local government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations to speed up the building of classrooms.

In areas facing security risks or peace and order issues, DepEd would also be authorized to tap the Armed Forces of the Philippines Corps of Engineers to carry out construction work.

To support upcoming public-private partnership (PPP) school projects, the budget also sets aside P160 million for site development under the public schools infrastructure program—ensuring that PPP-identified school sites will be construction-ready.

Gatchalian underscored that these measures are aimed at accelerating the improvement of learning environments across the country, saying the 2026 budget marks a strong investment in the future of Filipino learners.