Senator Bam Aquino outlines priority education reforms, including addressing the classroom backlog, expanding student nutrition programs, and improving transparency in government spending.
Returning as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Senator Bam Aquino outlined key reforms he intends to pursue to help address the country’s education crisis, including the 166,000-classroom backlog.
Among his priorities is investigating the slow rollout of the P67-billion allocation for classroom construction under the 2026 national budget. Aquino also called on the government to fast-track the release of funds for repairing classrooms damaged by the Magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao.
“Ayon sa DepEd, mahigit 1,000 classrooms ang nasira ng lindol sa Mindanao. Dapat bilisan ang paglalabas ng pondo upang maisaayos ang mga ito sa lalong madaling panahon,” he said.
Aquino to Scrutinize P67-B Classroom Construction Fund
Aquino said one of his top priorities is scrutinizing the slow rollout of the P67-billion allocation that he helped secure in the 2026 national budget for the construction of 25,000 classrooms.
Despite the substantial allocation under the historic P1.34-trillion education budget, the senator noted that classroom construction has yet to begin even as the rainy season approaches, raising concerns about possible delays in project implementation.
The issue is particularly significant as the country continues to face a classroom backlog estimated at 166,000 classrooms, making the timely implementation of construction projects a major concern for the education sector.
“Tututukan natin iyong krisis sa edukasyon. Unang-una, iimbestigahan natin ang P67 billion na nakalaan para sa classrooms,” said Aquino, who regained the Basic Education chairmanship following the recent Senate leadership change under acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.
“Alam nating napakabagal ng pag-deploy nito at nais nating malaman kung paano ito papabilisan ngayon na umuulan na ulit at mas mahirap nang gumawa ng classroom,” he added.
National Feeding Program Among Key Priorities
Aquino also committed to pushing for the passage of a National Feeding Program that would institutionalize the provision of free and nutritious meals to all kindergarten to Grade 3 students.
The proposed measure seeks to strengthen support for young learners by ensuring access to nutritious meals during their early years of education.
“Pangalawa, ipapasa natin iyong reporma sa ating nutrition program kasi mahalaga po na may pagkain ang ating kabataan at dito sa repormang ito, masisigurado natin na Kinder to Grade 3 mayroong masustansiyang pagkain,” said Aquino, who is slated to sponsor the proposed measure expanding the country’s National Feeding Program in July.
The senator also identified other priority reforms, including the passage of the School Safety Act to combat bullying and the School-to-Employment Program to help ensure that K-to-12 graduates can secure jobs after completing their studies.
Aquino expressed optimism that the Senate would unite behind measures that address the country’s education challenges.
“Napakarami pa pong kailangang tugunan at sana po magkaisa tayo para tugunan ang mga problemang ito, mabigyan ng tutok natin ang mga problema ng kabataan at ng kinabukasan ng ating bansa,” he said.
Push for Budget Transparency Through CADENA-Blockchain Bill
At the same time, Aquino reiterated his call for the passage of his Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA)-Blockchain the Budget Bill, which seeks to improve transparency and accountability in government spending.
The proposed measure aims to provide greater public visibility into how government funds are allocated and utilized, including education-related expenditures.
“Marami pa rin pong mga issue sa korapsyon na hindi pa nareresolba at mahalaga na ma-blockchain na iyong budget para alam ng taumbayan kung saan napupunta iyong pera nila. Makakatulong din ito para masigurado na iyong pondo para sa edukasyon, na siyang pinakamataas sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, ay magagamit nang tama,” he pointed out.
Senate Bill No. 1506, which was approved on third and final reading by a 17-0 vote, mandates all government agencies to upload and maintain detailed budget-related documents, including contracts, project costs, bills of materials, and procurement records, on a Digital Budget Platform.
The system is designed to ensure that all files are publicly accessible, tamper-resistant, traceable, open-source, and verifiable, allowing citizens to better monitor how public funds are spent.
Faster Release of Funds Sought for Earthquake-Damaged Classrooms
Meanwhile, Aquino called on the government to fast-track the release of funds for the repair of classrooms in areas devastated by the Magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao, particularly in SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) and Davao Region.
According to Aquino, more than 1,000 classrooms were damaged by the earthquake, highlighting the need for immediate rehabilitation efforts to restore learning facilities in affected communities.
“Ayon sa DepEd, mahigit 1,000 classrooms ang nasira ng lindol sa Mindanao. Dapat bilisan ang paglalabas ng pondo upang maisaayos ang mga ito sa lalong madaling panahon,” he said.
As he returns as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Aquino said his focus will remain on addressing the education crisis through faster classroom construction, stronger nutrition programs, improved school safety measures, better employment pathways for graduates, and greater accountability in government spending.
