Senator Bam Aquino Calls for Aggressive Classroom Construction Using Unused Facilities
Senator Bam Aquino has issued a strong call for an aggressive national push to construct at least 26,000 new classrooms by 2026, proposing innovative solutions to address the Philippines' severe classroom shortage. The senator specifically suggested repurposing unused Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo) hubs, underutilized Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) offices, and closed private school buildings as immediate resources for educational infrastructure.
Addressing Inhumane Learning Conditions
Presiding over a hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education on Monday, February 9, 2026, Senator Aquino emphasized that this comprehensive plan aims to eliminate what he described as "inhumane" early-morning school shifts. These problematic schedules force young students, particularly in densely populated urban areas such as Metro Manila and Cavite, to wake up before dawn simply to attend their classes.
The senator revealed that the country currently faces a staggering backlog of approximately 165,000 classrooms. This critical shortage has resulted in severely overcrowded learning spaces, multiple shifting schedules throughout the day, and in extreme cases, classes being conducted in school hallways or shared covered courts without proper facilities.
Creative Solutions for Immediate Implementation
"If you have buildings that you think can be used—private schools that have closed, old Pogo facilities that are now empty, or buildings that can be outright purchased—those are all possible options," Aquino stated during the hearing. He confirmed that these unconventional approaches have been included as special provisions in proposed legislation specifically designed to accelerate classroom delivery across the nation.
The senator has directed multiple government agencies including the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), along with private sector partners to collaborate intensively to meet the 2026 target. Aquino identified land availability as one of the most significant obstacles currently hindering classroom construction projects nationwide.
Funding Availability and Implementation Challenges
While DepEd frequently has adequate funding allocated for infrastructure projects, Aquino noted that the department often lacks suitable sites where schools can actually be constructed. "We need to come together to build classrooms for Filipino students who are currently attending classes in shifting schedules, crowding into classrooms, holding classes in hallways outside schools, or sharing covered courts where classes run back-to-back," he emphasized passionately.
Aquino disclosed that P67.9 billion has already been allocated specifically for classroom construction initiatives, with the clear objective of commencing work on at least 26,000 classrooms during the current year. "At the minimum, we want to see 26,000 classrooms started in 2026," the senator declared with determination.
Streamlining Processes and Revitalizing Partnerships
To address persistent delays that typically stretch construction timelines to an average of three years per classroom, Aquino advocated for unconventional administrative solutions. These include utilizing government-seized properties such as former Pogo facilities and implementing faster legal mechanisms that would empower DepEd to immediately utilize available land parcels for educational purposes.
The senator also called for a revitalized and strengthened Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program, citing the Aquino administration's earlier successful PPP initiative that constructed more than 9,000 classrooms through collaborative efforts. However, he stressed that the 2026 implementation must demonstrate significantly improved speed and efficiency compared to previous programs.
"It is important for us to see that these funds are being used and that classrooms are built at the right price, in the right way, and at the right time," Aquino asserted regarding the substantial financial allocation.
Current Progress and Urgent Need
DepEd officials reported during the hearing that a new PPP batch covering 16,000 classrooms received approval on January 8, 2026. The department has implemented a "Green Lane" system designed to fast-track necessary permits and accelerate project implementation timelines.
The urgency of Aquino's proposed plan was powerfully underscored by recent findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2). Their research revealed that kindergarten pupils in certain high-density urban areas are required to attend classes as early as 5:45 a.m.—a situation the senator warned could seriously harm children's cognitive development and overall wellbeing if left unaddressed.
"Let us not let these opportunities pass while we are all here," Aquino concluded, urging all government agencies to ensure that education funding remains protected and consistently utilized throughout the coming years to transform the nation's educational infrastructure landscape.
