Bam Aquino to Probe Delays in P67-B Classroom Fund Rollout, Prioritize Education Reforms

Senator vows to address classroom backlog, school nutrition, student safety, and budget transparency

Returning as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Senator Bam Aquino has outlined a series of education reforms aimed at addressing the country’s long-standing education challenges, including the 166,000-classroom backlog and the need for greater transparency in government spending.

Among Aquino’s first priorities is an investigation into the delayed rollout of the P67-billion allocation for classroom construction that was included in the 2026 national budget.

The funding, which Aquino helped secure under the historic P1.34-trillion education budget, was intended to support the construction of 25,000 classrooms nationwide. However, the senator expressed concern that implementation has yet to begin despite the onset of the rainy season.

“Tututukan natin iyong krisis sa edukasyon. Unang-una, iimbestigahan natin ang P67 billion na nakalaan para sa classrooms,” Aquino said.

He stressed the urgency of accelerating classroom construction, noting that weather conditions could further complicate project implementation if delays continue.

Aquino also called on government agencies to immediately release funds for the repair of schools damaged by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that recently struck Mindanao.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), more than 1,000 classrooms sustained damage in affected areas, particularly in SOCCSKSARGEN and the Davao Region.

“Ayon sa DepEd, mahigit 1,000 classrooms ang nasira ng lindol sa Mindanao. Dapat bilisan ang paglalabas ng pondo upang maisaayos ang mga ito sa lalong madaling panahon,” Aquino said.

Beyond infrastructure concerns, the senator committed to advancing a National Feeding Program that would institutionalize free nutritious meals for all kindergarten to Grade 3 students.

The proposed reform aims to strengthen child nutrition and improve learning outcomes among young learners.

“Pangalawa, ipapasa natin iyong reporma sa ating nutrition program kasi mahalaga po na may pagkain ang ating kabataan,” Aquino explained.

Other priority measures include the proposed School Safety Act, which seeks to strengthen anti-bullying efforts, and the School-to-Employment Program, designed to improve employment opportunities for K-to-12 graduates.

Aquino also renewed his call for the passage of the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA)-Blockchain the Budget Bill, a measure that aims to improve transparency and accountability in public spending.

The bill would require government agencies to upload contracts, project costs, procurement documents, and other budget-related records to a publicly accessible digital platform designed to be traceable, tamper-resistant, and verifiable.

According to Aquino, greater transparency would help ensure that the record-high education budget is spent effectively and reaches its intended beneficiaries.

As the Senate begins work on its new legislative agenda, Aquino expressed hope that lawmakers will unite behind reforms that address the country’s education crisis and help secure a better future for Filipino students.

“We hope to come together to address these challenges and focus on the needs of our youth and the future of our nation,” he said.