The government has released ₱17.27 billion to accelerate the construction of nearly 5,000 classrooms nationwide, aiming to ease overcrowding and improve the quality of basic education.
The funding follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the expansion of school infrastructure as part of broader efforts to address classroom shortages.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Rolando Toledo approved the release to the Department of Education on April 13 through a Special Allotment Release Order.
The allocation will fund the construction of 4,960 classrooms, including the provision of furniture and fixtures, providing immediate relief to congested schools and underserved communities.
Sourced from the Php 85.40-billion Basic Education Facilities Fund under the 2026 national budget, the funding forms part of ongoing efforts to close the classroom gap and improve learning conditions.
Toledo underscored the broader impact of the initiative, saying it is not just about building infrastructure but “about securing the future of the nation through education.”
The release also supports the Nationwide Classroom Building Program, which strengthens collaboration between national agencies and local governments to accelerate the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of school facilities.