THE ADMINISTRATION has assured Senator Bam Aquino of the timely and faster release of funds to local government units  for classroom construction under the proposed 2026 national budget.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto made the commitment during a meeting with Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education and has been pushing for a ₱65-billion allocation for classroom construction to help address the country’s estimated 166,000-classroom backlog.

In an official statement posted on his Facebook page, Recto said the government would prioritize on-time fund releases and improve disbursement mechanisms to LGUs.

Under the 2026 national budget, the Department of Education (DepEd) will also be given broader flexibility in implementing classroom construction projects. This includes partnerships with LGUs, civil society groups, and non-government organizations with proven track records.

Recto and Aquino also discussed the proposed Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, which seeks to speed up classroom construction by allowing LGUs and qualified NGOs to build classrooms within their areas, subject to DepEd standards and guidelines.

The Senate has already approved Senate Bill No. 1482 or the CAP Act on third and final reading with a 22-0 vote, with no negative votes or abstentions.

According to Recto, the measure is designed not only to address the classroom shortage but also to improve efficiency in project implementation and reduce opportunities for corruption through safeguards such as a price ceiling for construction.

The program is also expected to generate over 100,000 jobs nationwide and stimulate local economic activity.

The two officials likewise discussed a whole-of-government approach to addressing the ongoing crisis in the Middle East to ensure the safety and welfare of affected overseas Filipinos.