RETURNING as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Senator Bam Aquino has vowed to investigate the delayed implementation of the government’s P67-billion classroom construction program, while advancing a broader reform agenda to address the country’s worsening education crisis.

Aquino raised concerns over what he described as the slow rollout of funds intended for the construction of 25,000 classrooms, which he helped secure under the 2026 national budget.

He said the delay is particularly alarming given the country’s estimated classroom shortage of around 166,000.

“Tututukan natin iyong krisis sa edukasyon. Unang-una, iimbestigahan natin ang P67 billion na nakalaan para sa classrooms,” Aquino said, noting that construction has yet to begin despite the substantial allocation under the record-high education budget.

He also warned that the delays could be exacerbated by the onset of the rainy season, which typically hampers construction activities and further slows infrastructure development in public schools.

At the same time, Aquino called on the government to expedite the release of funds for the repair of classrooms damaged by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that recently struck Mindanao.

The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that more than 1,000 classrooms were damaged across affected areas, particularly in SOCCSKSARGEN and the Davao Region.

“Ayon sa Department of Education, mahigit 1,000 classrooms ang nasira ng lindol sa Mindanao. Dapat bilisan ang paglalabas ng pondo upang maisaayos ang mga ito sa lalong madaling panahon,” he said.

Aquino’s return to the education panel follows a Senate reorganization under Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.

Beyond infrastructure concerns, Aquino outlined several priority reforms, including the proposed National Feeding Program, which seeks to provide free and nutritious meals to all learners from kindergarten to Grade 3.

He said the measure is expected to be sponsored in July and aims to improve child nutrition, school attendance, and learning outcomes nationwide.

Aquino also pledged to push for the passage of the School Safety Act to strengthen measures against bullying and violence in schools, as well as the School-to-Employment Program, which aims to enhance the job readiness and employability of K-12 graduates.