TINGOG Party-list Representative Jude Acidre, Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and Co-Chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), stressed the urgency of addressing the country’s classroom shortage during the deliberations on the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday.
Based on DepEd’s latest data, the national backlog has reached around 165,000 classrooms, with only 4,869 new classrooms programmed for construction in 2026. The department has further cautioned that, at the current pace, it could take up to 55 years to close the gap. EDCOM 2, in its own review, described the shortage as a structural challenge that undermines both access and quality in 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.
The TINGOG lawmaker also suggested granting emergency powers to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to fast-track classroom construction by streamlining procurement, cutting red tape, and directly mobilizing resources.
DepEd has likewise sought to respond through Public–Private Partnerships (PPP). Under PSIP III, 15,000 classrooms are targeted by 2027, with future phases PSIP IV and V expected to deliver 30,000 and 60,000 classrooms respectively. Acidre noted, however, that while these initiatives are valuable, they remain medium- to long-term measures. “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 added.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara acknowledged the seriousness of the problem, saying he would support such a proposal if Congress finds it necessary, provided that safeguards are in place.
Lawmakers emphasized that any extraordinary authority must be paired with strong accountability, 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.
