Overview: A Major Reallocation for Education Facilities
The Philippine House of Representatives’ Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee approved a notable P12.5 billion increase in funds for constructing new classrooms in 2026. This move follows the reallocation of P255 billion previously removed from the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) budget for the same year. The shift signals a prioritization of basic education facilities (BEF) at a time when the DPWH faces heightened scrutiny over a flood control corruption case.
In a meeting on Wednesday, the subpanel adjusted the BEF line from P22.5 billion to P35.098 billion, bringing the BEF total for 2026 to approximately P63 billion. House members cited the need to accelerate classroom construction, completion, rehabilitation, and fixtures to ensure more seats for Filipino students. Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, who chairs the House appropriations committee, framed the decision as a practical response to an education sector that has long grappled with crowded classrooms.
What the Numbers Mean for Classrooms
With the revised BEF allocation, proponents project the country could build roughly 25,000 classrooms. This ambitious target would mark a significant expansion of basic education infrastructure, potentially easing overcrowding in many public schools and supporting a more conducive learning environment for millions of students.
Analysts emphasize that this allocation covers a mix of new construction, ongoing completion, rehabilitation of existing facilities, and the procurement of essential fixtures. The breakdown reflects a broad strategy to improve both the quantity and quality of school facilities nationwide.
Context: The DPWH Scrutiny and Budget Realignment
The reallocation comes as the DPWH faces examination over involvement of its officials in a flood control scam. By diverting funds toward BEF, lawmakers aim to ensure that critical educational needs are met even as accountability investigations unfold within related agencies. The decision also illustrates the dynamic nature of the National Expenditure Program (NEP), under which adjustments are made to align with current priorities.
Broader Budget Shifts Within Education and Employment Programs
Alongside the BEF boost, the subpanel approved other reallocations within the education cluster. Notably, P2.087 billion was added for certain programs under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) instead of the previously proposed P635.2 million, signaling a push toward expanding skills training and post-secondary opportunities for Filipino workers.
Additionally, the group approved an extra P1.537 billion for Tesda’s Training for Work Scholarship Program, surpassing the earlier figure of P356 million. These changes underscore a broader strategy to couple classroom growth with workforce development, ensuring students and out-of-school youths gain practical pathways to employment.
Impact on Other Programs and Clarity on Priorities
To accommodate the BEF uplift, some items within the Tupad/GIP (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) program under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) were scaled back—from an initial P14.8 billion down to P10 billion. The adjusted figure reflects a conscious choice to prioritize education infrastructure and targeted employment programs, while keeping a reserve for social safety nets within the NEP framework.
What this means for the Filipino education system is more seats and improved facilities, albeit within a complex fiscal landscape where reallocation is often a balancing act among agencies. Lawmakers stress that changes are made with the NEP in mind, aiming to ensure continuity of support for education while addressing other national needs.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
The national budget for 2026 stands at approximately P6.793 trillion. The BEF enhancements, coupled with targeted Tesda programs and adjusted labor initiatives, reflect a multi-pronged approach to education and livelihood—prioritizing immediate classroom construction alongside longer-term skills development. If implemented as planned, the enhanced BEF could transform the learning landscape in many regions, from urban centers to rural towns.
As implementation proceeds, accountability mechanisms and transparent reporting will be essential to ensure that the funds deliver tangible improvements in school infrastructure and student outcomes. Stakeholders across the education sector will be watching closely to assess the speed, quality, and reach of these classroom projects.
