THE DEPARTMENT of Education on Tuesday threw its support behind Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV’s proposed Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act, a measure designed to help close the country’s massive classroom deficit, estimated at 166,000 nationwide.

Speaking at DepEd’s 2026 budget hearing, Education Secretary Sonny Angara praised Aquino’s Senate Bill No. 121, calling it a long-awaited reform.

“We really look forward to the passage of that bill. It’s a breath of fresh air because seeing how over the last decade the classroom deficit has increased year on year,” Angara said. “Your bill is thinking out of the box. It is really creative. It’s empowering.”

Under the proposed law, local government units and non-government organizations with a proven track record would be authorized to build classrooms in compliance with national standards and guidelines.

The projects would be supported by funding from the national government.

Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and vice chairperson of the Committee on Finance, said the measure is expected to reach the Senate plenary in the coming weeks.

He expressed optimism that the bill could be passed by December.

“If we finish it by December, then the classroom acceleration program can be added as an item in the General Appropriations Act for 2026,” Aquino said. “If we don’t, we will put in a special provision, which basically is the program. Put it into the GAA so we can undergo the program.”

The senator also assured DepEd that the bill includes provisions for additional manpower so the department can properly check and monitor classroom projects carried out by LGUs and NGOs.

Aquino stressed that with proper assistance, local governments and accredited NGOs can deliver the much-needed classrooms and help ease the burden on overcrowded public schools.