House panel OKs classroom acceleration bill to ease school shortages

The House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, chaired by Roman Romulo, has approved the proposed Classroom Acceleration Program, marking a key step toward addressing the country’s persistent shortage of public school classrooms.

The measure seeks to explore and implement alternative and more efficient methods of constructing and repairing public school buildings to ensure that learners have safe, adequate and dignified learning spaces.

During the hearing, lawmakers clarified that while furniture was not initially included in the construction budget, it will be incorporated in future allocations. A separate budget has already been earmarked to address existing furniture backlogs to ensure that newly built classrooms are properly equipped with desks and chairs.

The urgency of the reforms was underscored by findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which revealed that 58 resettlement areas under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) lack designated school sites.

This has led to severe congestion in nearby public schools, forcing students to endure overcrowded classrooms and long travel distances to access basic education.

Romulo raised the issue anew during the 25 February hearing of the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development on the Enhanced National Shelter Program, proposing that school sites be mandated in all resettlement developments.

The Pasig lawmaker stressed that access to education is foundational to breaking the cycle of poverty.

“A house provides shelter, but a school provides opportunity. And no child should be displaced from both,” he said.

With the bill’s approval at the committee level, Romulo reiterated his commitment to holistic development, ensuring that resettlement communities are equipped not only with housing but also with accessible schools where children can learn and build a better future.