DBM Approves ₱28 Billion for Classroom Construction in 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved ₱28.056 billion for the construction of classrooms and other essential education facilities in 2026, as the nationwide classroom shortage swelled to an alarming 165,000.

According to the National Expenditure Program, the Department of Education’s (DepEd) proposed ₱928.5-billion budget for next year includes ₱13.245 billion earmarked for the construction, replacement, and completion of kindergarten and secondary school buildings, along with technical-vocational laboratories.

The budget also sets aside:

• ₱2 billion for medium-rise school buildings
• ₱56 million for Alternative Learning System (ALS) community learning centers
• ₱6.136 billion for school building repairs
• ₱2.65 billion for school desks
• ₱1.3 billion for school electrification

Addressing the Shortage

During a Senate basic education hearing chaired by Senator Bam Aquino, lawmakers highlighted how the shortage has forced thousands of schools to adopt multi-shift schedules. This arrangement has been shown to hinder learning outcomes, particularly for Kinder to Grade 3 pupils. Many schools also continue to use classrooms dating back to the 1960s — some of which have been condemned or repurposed as evacuation centers.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education has urged the government to tap partnerships with local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) to speed up construction and standardize costs.

Collaboration with LGUs and NGOs

In line with this recommendation, the DBM and DepEd are pushing for a special provision in the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act that would allow DepEd to collaborate directly with other government agencies, LGUs, and NGOs in building classrooms. The move is expected to accelerate the rollout of projects and help close the classroom gap.