Senator Bam Aquino on Wednesday said the government is targeting the start of 25,000 classrooms in 2026, with local government units (LGUs) expected to deliver most of the projects through partnerships aimed at speeding up construction and lowering costs.

During an interview at the Mayor’s Dialogue on Accelerating Classroom-Building in Cities and Municipalities, Aquino said the plan is anchored on clear timelines to address the country’s classroom shortage, estimated at 166,000 rooms.

“Ang goal po sana namin ay 25,000 classrooms started in 2026 (Our goal is to have 25,000 classrooms started in 2026),” he said, noting that single- or double-story classrooms can be completed within 90 to 120 days.

Aquino, chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Culture and Arts, said LGUs would shoulder the bulk of classroom construction due to capacity limits at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Ang alam ko kasi, ang capacity din ng DPWH is only maybe 2,000 to 3,000 classrooms (As far as I know, DPWH’s capacity is only maybe 2,000 to 3,000 classrooms),” Aquino said.

He said classrooms built by LGUs cost PHP1.5 million to PHP1.8 million per unit, compared with about PHP3.5 million for some earlier projects.

“Hindi lang mabagal, overpriced pa (It was not only slow, it was also overpriced),” he said, adding that the objective is to deliver classrooms “sa tamang panahon, sa tamang presyo (at the right time and at the right price).”

He said more than 200 mayors attended the recent dialogue on accelerating classroom construction, while over 800 LGUs have signified interest in undertaking projects.

Aquino said LGUs may pursue various options, including constructing new classrooms, repairing dilapidated ones, or leasing and purchasing existing buildings to quickly expand capacity.

Aquino added that the Senate committee will maintain close oversight to ensure the PHP66-billion classroom budget is properly used. (PNA)