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Senate panel approves P68B for new classrooms

Lade Jean Kabagani · Dec 4, 2025, 2:46 AM

ABOITIZ Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar led volunteers and scholars in the Brigada Eskwela initiative at Tandang Sora Elementary School in Quezon City on Saturday, 7 June 2025. Participants took part in mural painting, storytelling sessions, and classroom clean-up activities in support of preparations for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year. — Photo by John Carlo Magallon for DAILY TRIBUNE

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

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 drastic increase, nearly five times the P15.25 billion originally proposed under the National Expenditure Program.

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