Photo courtesy of Tingog party-list.
TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre, chair of the House committee on higher and technical education and co-chair of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), underscored the urgency of addressing the country’s classroom shortage during the Department of Education’s (DepEd) 2026 budget deliberations on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
DepEd data shows a backlog of around 165,000 classrooms nationwide, with only 4,869 slated for construction in 2026. At this rate, it could take up to 55 years to close the gap. EDCOM 2, in its review, described the shortage as a structural challenge that weakens both access to and quality of education.
“The evidence from DepEd and EDCOM 2 is clear: the current pace of construction is far too slow. The classroom shortage is not just a statistic—it means children crammed into overcrowded spaces, teachers forced into double or triple shifts, and learning outcomes that continue to decline,” Acidre said.
He suggested granting emergency powers to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite classroom construction through streamlined procurement, reduced red tape, and direct mobilization of resources.
DepEd, meanwhile, is banking on Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) to help address the crisis. Under PSIP III, 15,000 classrooms are targeted by 2027, with PSIP IV and V expected to deliver 30,000 and 60,000 classrooms, respectively. Acidre, however, noted these remain medium- to long-term solutions. “PPP projects are a welcome complement, but they cannot substitute for immediate action. The urgency of the backlog demands solutions that can be felt now,” he said.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, saying he would support such a proposal if Congress deems it necessary, provided safeguards are in place. Lawmakers also emphasized that extraordinary authority must come with accountability measures, including transparent procurement, third-party monitoring, and regular reporting to Congress.
“Education is the foundation of nation-building. If we cannot even provide classrooms where children can learn, then we are failing an entire generation. This is not just an education issue—it is a national development imperative,” Acidre concluded.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
