The process of constructing classrooms has been streamlined with its inclusion in the 2026 national budget, assured Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.

Gatchalian said that out of the ₱6.793-trillion national budget, ₱85 billion was allotted for the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, reported RH 28 Raymund Dadpaas.

Of this amount, ₱65.9 billion is for the construction, replacement, and completion of school buildings for students in kindergarten through secondary school, as well as technical-vocational laboratories.

Aside from additional funds, the Senate will also ensure the participation of other sectors, instead of wholly counting on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The Department of Education (DepEd) was also granted greater flexibility in carrying out classroom construction methods, including public-private partnership (PPP).

To allow simultaneous construction, the DepEd may enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DPWH, qualified local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Corp. of Engineers.

Based on the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM) records, the Philippines has 165,000 in classroom backlogs.