THE LEAGUE of Municipalities of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter has expressed its full support for Senator Bam Aquino’s proposed Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act.

The group is calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify the measure as urgent to expedite its passage into law.

Recently, the Senate approved Senate Bill No. 1482 on third and final reading with a unanimous 22-0 vote, with no negative votes or abstentions.

The bill aims to address the backlog of approximately 165,000 classrooms by empowering local government units (LGUs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with proven track records to build classrooms within their jurisdictions, provided they adhere to the Department of Education’s standards and guidelines.

In its Resolution No. 2026-002, approved by its president, Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon and certified by San Joaquin Mayor Joe Abad Lazaro, Secretary-General, the 42-member LMP–Iloilo Chapter described Aquino’s measure as a strategic and timely initiative. It is designed to fast-track solutions to the classroom shortage through streamlined construction, responsive local coordination, and community-driven efforts.

“The League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter hereby fully endorses and supports the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act authored by Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV. We recognize it as a vital response to the crisis in public education,” the resolution states.

The group further urged President Marcos to certify Senate Bill No. 1482 as urgent, emphasizing the urgent need to provide safe, adequate, and dignified learning spaces for millions of students affected by the shortage.

The CAP Act aligns with local government objectives to improve access to quality education, promote learner welfare, and bolster the capacity of public schools. It also offers a practical framework for stronger national and local collaboration to achieve sustainable educational reform.

“Municipalities are prepared to support this program through site identification, local coordination, resource sharing, and community mobilization to ensure effective and transparent implementation,” the resolution added.

The LMP–Iloilo Chapter committed to actively cooperating with the Department of Education and other national agencies in implementing the CAP, including prioritizing school sites, providing local assistance, and mobilizing communities.

“All member municipalities are encouraged to participate actively by identifying priority sites, providing logistical support, and ensuring transparency and community engagement throughout the project,” the resolution concluded.

Additionally, the LMP Cebu Chapter—representing 44 municipal mayors—has also expressed full support for the immediate passage of Aquino’s measure, highlighting its crucial role in addressing the country’s classroom shortage.