Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the urgency of addressing classroom shortages nationwide after the Senate approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1482, or the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, a measure he co-authored and co-sponsored.

The proposed law seeks to institutionalize a Classroom-Building Acceleration Program under the Department of Education, establishing a more coordinated framework for the construction of school buildings, particularly in areas facing severe classroom backlogs.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Youth, Go said the state of educational facilities directly affects students’ learning experience and overall well-being, especially in public schools where overcrowding remains widespread.

“Mahalaga po na matiyak natin na ang mga bata ay may maayos, ligtas, at disenteng silid-aralan. Hindi puwedeng matuto nang maayos ang estudyante kung siksikan, mainit, o delikado ang kanilang pinapasukan araw-araw,” Go said.

Under Senate Bill No. 1482, qualified local government units and accredited partners may be authorized to undertake classroom construction projects in accordance with DepEd standards, allowing faster implementation while ensuring structural integrity and resilience to local conditions, including weather-related risks.

Go said improving physical learning environments is a concrete step toward supporting both students and teachers, particularly in underserved communities.

“Kung gusto nating seryosong tugunan ang problema sa edukasyon, kailangan sabayan ng sapat na pasilidad ang anumang reporma. Ang silid-aralan ay hindi luho, ito ay pangunahing pangangailangan,” he said.

The measure also mandates the creation of a program management structure within DepEd to oversee project selection, implementation and coordination, with the aim of reducing delays and improving efficiency in classroom delivery.

Go said the bill’s passage reflects the Senate’s recognition of the long-standing classroom shortage caused by population growth, natural disasters and the deterioration of existing school facilities.

“Hindi ito usapin ng dami lang ng silid-aralan. Usapin ito ng kalidad ng pagkatuto at kaligtasan ng mga bata at guro. Kailangan tuluy-tuloy at maayos ang pagpapatayo ng mga pasilidad,” he said.

As co-author and co-sponsor of the CAP Act, Go reiterated that strengthening education infrastructure complements broader initiatives to support the youth, whom he has consistently identified as central to the country’s long-term development.