Two key education reform measures authored by Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla have been approved at the committee level, advancing proposals aimed at addressing classroom shortages and strengthening student career pathways.

The House Committee on Basic Education and Culture approved House Bill No. 7798, or the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act, and House Bill No. 3648, or the Education Pathways Act, during recent deliberations.

“Dalawa sa ating panukalang batas para sa edukasyon ang naaprubahan na sa committee level,” Mercado-Revilla said after the panel’s action.

House Bill No. 7798 seeks to institutionalize a Classroom-Building Acceleration Program under the Department of Education to fast-track classroom construction nationwide.

The proposed measure would create a dedicated acceleration program within DepEd to centralize planning, coordination and implementation of classroom projects. It also authorizes local government units and qualified private entities to participate in classroom construction, subject to DepEd standards and oversight.

The bill provides for the creation of a Program Management Office that will review proposals, ensure compliance with technical standards, monitor project timelines and promote transparency in procurement and implementation.

To address long-standing infrastructure gaps, the measure mandates that classroom projects meet required standards, including disaster resilience, climate adaptation features, proper ventilation, sanitation facilities and readiness for digital connectivity.

Periodic monitoring and reporting requirements are also included to ensure accountability and measurable reduction of classroom backlog.

Meanwhile, House Bill No. 3648 proposes structural reforms in the basic education system by institutionalizing clearer and more inclusive learning pathways for students.

The measure recognizes multiple education tracks for Grade 10 completers, allowing them to choose between academic, technical-vocational or employment-oriented pathways. It also seeks to strengthen career guidance programs in schools to help students make informed decisions aligned with their abilities and long-term goals.

Under the proposal, curriculum frameworks of DepEd, higher education institutions and technical-vocational agencies would be aligned to ensure smoother transitions across levels of education.

The bill also provides alternative advancement or assessment mechanisms for students pursuing accelerated or specialized tracks and encourages coordination with technical education and skills development programs to facilitate workforce entry for those opting for technical-vocational routes.

“Itinataguyod nito ang mas malinaw at inclusive education pathways, mula basic education hanggang higher education, technical-vocational, at employment, upang matulungan ang bawat mag-aaral na mahanap ang angkop na direksyon para sa kanilang kakayahan at pangarap,” Mercado-Revilla emphasized.

With both measures now approved at the committee level, Mercado-Revilla said she will push for their passage in plenary.

“Patuloy ang trabaho ng inyong Ate Lani para sa mas magandang kinabukasan ng bawat Kabataang Pilipino,” she said.

The advancement of the two bills reflects the lawmaker’s continued focus on strengthening education infrastructure while building a more flexible and future-ready system for Filipino youth.