SENATOR Bam Aquino’s proposed measure to accelerate classroom construction has received strong backing from Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who said the initiative aligns with the Department of Education’s efforts to address the backlog in public schools.

Angara expressed full support for Aquino’s Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act, which authorizes capable local government units and private sector entities to construct classrooms compliant with national standards and guidelines within their jurisdictions, with funding support from the national government.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo kay Secretary Angara sa kanyang suporta sa ating panukala na makatutulong para resolbahin ang napakalaking kakulangan sa classroom ng ating bansa. Kailangan natin ang tulong ng bawat isa para ito’y masolusyunan para sa kapakanan ng ating mga estudyante,” Aquino said.

Based on the EDCOM II Year 2 report, the country currently has a backlog of 165,000 classrooms, forcing schools to implement multiple shifts and alternative delivery modes.

The senator also committed to pushing for DepEd’s proposed legislative measures, including amendments to expand Republic Act No. 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, which Aquino championed in the 17th Congress as principal sponsor. He likewise pledged to ensure sufficient budget for the agency.

“Naririto tayo para suportahan ang mga proyekto, programa, at mga polisiya na nais isulong ng DepEd para maresolba ang mga isyung kinakaharap ng ating sistemang pang-edukasyon,” he added.

Aside from the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program and E-Textbook Para sa Lahat Act, Aquino has filed 10 education-related measures seeking to address the education crisis. These include:

School-to-Employment Program Act

Amendments to RA 10931

Bayanihan Work Program Act

Adopt-A-School Act of 2025

Angat Sweldo Para sa Guro Act

Libreng RLE Act

Student Discount Para sa Load Act

Private Education Voucher Expansion Act