Background: A Budget Reallocation for 2026
The House of Representatives’ Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee approved a P12.5 billion increase in funding for the construction of new classrooms in 2026. The move comes as lawmakers reallocate funds totaling P255 billion taken from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget for the year. This adjustment is part of ongoing efforts to boost basic education facilities (BEF) and address classroom shortages across the country.
What the Numbers Say
Originally, BEF funding stood at a certain level, but the subcommittee increased the BEF allocation to P63 billion in total for 2026, by shifting increments and blending several categories of construction and rehabilitation. Specifically, the BEF allocation was adjusted from P22.5 billion to P35.098 billion, enabling a significant expansion in new school facilities. Nueva Ecija 1st District Representative Mikaela Angela Suansing, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, explained that the revised BEF could facilitate the construction, completion, rehabilitation, and fittings required for the projects, potentially enabling the creation of around 25,000 classrooms across the country.
Implications for Education and Learners
With the enhanced BEF, DepEd and its partners can accelerate the delivery of learning spaces in many communities facing overcrowded classrooms. The plan envisions a mix of new builds, renovations of existing facilities, and the installation of essential fixtures to support safe and conducive learning environments. While the NEP (National Expenditure Program) outlines the executive budget for 2026, the subpanel noted that the additional BEF funding is “in addition to” what is already planned, indicating a targeted push within the education cluster to prioritize classroom accessibility.
A Broader Budget Shuffle: Education vs. Other Programs
Alongside the BEF boost, the subpanel reallocated funds within the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) programs and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). Notably, DOLE’s Tupad/GIP programs received an adjusted allocation of P10 billion (down from P14.8 billion), while Tesda programs saw modest increases in some areas and reductions in others. The shifts underscore a broader prioritization within the education cluster, balancing immediate classroom needs with job programs and skills development to support disadvantaged workers and students alike.
Context: Accountability and Oversight
Observers are watching how these reallocations interact with ongoing scrutiny of the DPWH amid reports of a flood control scam involving its officials. Lawmakers emphasize that the reallocation is aimed at education outcomes and that the NEP context frames these changes as additions to the executive budget rather than cuts to current programs. The ultimate test will be how effectively the additional funds translate into tangible classroom construction and improvements on the ground.
What Comes Next
The national budget for 2026 totals P6.793 trillion, with the BEF expansion forming part of a broader effort to address classroom shortages and improve basic education infrastructure. If the full proposed package is enacted, educators, students, and communities can expect more classrooms, better facilities, and a more supportive learning environment. As implementation proceeds, ongoing transparency and monitoring will be key to ensuring the funds are used as intended and reach the schools most in need.
