LEGARDA PUSHES MEASURES TO ADDRESS CLASSROOM DEFICIT

Sen. Loren Legarda urged the government to make the country’s classroom shortage a top priority in the proposed 2027 national budget, calling for increased funding for school construction, repairs, and rehabilitation.

Citing EdCom II data, she said the Philippines needs more than 165,000 classrooms, with the deficit projected to exceed 200,000 by 2028 if left unaddressed.

Legarda warned that overcrowded and unsafe classrooms continue to disrupt learning and affect both students and teachers nationwide.

She also pushed for stronger support for schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas through the proposed GIDA Schools Act.

The senator emphasized that while partnerships can help accelerate classroom construction, the government remains primarily responsible for ensuring safe and adequate learning facilities for all Filipino children.

Source: PhilNews24 | July 24, 2026