THE SECOND Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) is urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure that classroom allocations are directed to areas with the greatest shortages, citing gaps in the distribution of planned school infrastructure projects.

In its analysis of the 2026 classroom allocation plan, EDCOM 2 found that only 45.2% of the 332 local government units with the largest estimated classroom shortages were among the top recipients of planned infrastructure.

EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Senator Bam Aquino called on DepEd and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to accelerate construction and ensure that allocated funds translate into completed facilities.

DepEd has targeted the construction of 18,950 classrooms this year through various channels, including the DPWH, local government units, civil society organizations, and public-private partnerships.

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee welcomed these efforts to expand construction but stressed the need to align spending with actual school-level requirements.

The commission found that seven of the ten municipalities receiving the largest allocations exceeded their estimated classroom shortages based on 2023 data. In Cavite, for example, Maragondon was allocated 272 classrooms despite an estimated shortage of only 64. Conversely, Tanza received 448 classrooms against a shortage of 869, while Naic was allocated 356 classrooms despite a deficit of 631.

EDCOM 2 also noted disparities based on municipal income classification: only 55% of fifth-class municipalities received classroom allocations, compared with 91% of first-class municipalities. Of the 66 fifth-class municipalities, 30 received no allocation despite having a combined shortage of 356 classrooms.

The commission cited earlier estimates showing that 68,147 additional classrooms are needed to address congestion in schools with more than 50 learners per room. Another 52,871 classrooms are needed to eliminate double and triple shifting, while 6,808 more are required for schools heavily reliant on makeshift facilities.

Construction Delays and Transparency

EDCOM 2 also raised concerns over delays in construction under the DPWH-led program. Of the PHP 21.45 billion allocation for 6,000 classrooms under the 2026 program, only PHP 1.87 billion—covering 533 classrooms—had reached the award or near-award stage during the hearing. Another PHP 7 billion, covering approximately 2,000 classrooms, had only been advertised for procurement.

DPWH Undersecretary Engr. Lara Esquibil attributed the delays to repeated failed biddings and rising construction costs amid higher fuel prices.

Aquino questioned whether funds not yet transferred to the DPWH could be redirected to implementation channels showing faster progress, subject to budgetary and legal requirements. He stressed that the government should prioritize methods that deliver classrooms more quickly and efficiently.

Aquino further urged DepEd to release the complete list of classroom construction sites for 2026 to allow parents,students, and local communities to monitor projects. EDCOM 2 is currently developing a classroom tracker to improve transparency and enable the public to monitor project locations and completion status.

Looking ahead to 2027, the National Expenditure Program proposes PHP 30.55 billion for classroom construction. DepEd is also seeking an additional PHP 23.5 billion to build 2,385 new classrooms, 69 Last Mile School buildings, and 500 Learning Continuity Spaces, alongside repairs for 3,500 classrooms.

EDCOM 2 emphasized that construction funds must be distributed strategically and implemented efficiently to resolve overcrowding and ensure learners in the most underserved communities receive adequate facilities.