SENATOR Pia Cayetano, senior vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has called for urgent measures to address the country’s widening classroom shortage during the hearing on the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Cayetano noted estimates that at least ₱400 billion is needed to build enough classrooms nationwide.

She stressed that solving this backlog requires not only larger allocations but also efficient budget use, stronger coordination between DepEd and the Department of Public Works and Highways, and greater participation of local government units in funding minor repairs to maximize existing facilities.

Beyond infrastructure, Cayetano also underscored the need for holistic education support, including assistance to school sports clubs, alignment of higher education programs with labor market demands, and the integration of digital wellness and mental health into lessons.

She likewise highlighted the importance of sustaining feeding and reading programs that directly affect student performance and well-being.

“Education should prepare our students not just with knowledge but with the four Cs—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity—so they are ready for the challenges of the future,” Cayetano said.

Finally, she appealed to her colleagues to safeguard education funds at every stage of the budget process, stressing that “every peso must translate to better learning opportunities for Filipino students.”