MANILA – Senator Bam Aquino expressed optimism that his proposed Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act will address the country’s classroom shortage by empowering local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) to take on school building projects.

Aquino made the pitch during inspections at Lakandula Elementary School and Dr. Adelaido C. Bernardo High School in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, where he observed that some students are still occupying condemned facilities due to the lack of classrooms.

Filed as Senate Bill No. 121, the CAP Act seeks to authorize LGUs and NGOs with proven track records in construction to build classrooms within their jurisdictions, in compliance with national standards and with funding support from the national government.

“I-bypass natin ang DPWH. Ibigay natin ang pondo sa LGU at sa NGO na may track record sa paggawa ng school building. Sa tingin namin, mas mabilis ang paggawa at mas mura pa, sa tamang halaga,” Aquino said, noting that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) cannot singlehandedly close the classroom gap.

The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, stressed the urgency of collective action: “Kung isang ahensiya lang ang gagawa ng classroom, hindi tayo matatapos. We want to see the classroom gap closed in the next three to five years, but this can only happen if many are working simultaneously.”

Aquino also reiterated his push to reallocate a significant portion of the national flood control budget to education, pointing out that billions are currently funneled into areas without a history of flooding.

“Kutob namin, bababa ang P275 billion [flood control budget] at mapo-focus siya sa lugar na may pagbaha. Iyong matatanggal, sa tingin namin aabot pa siguro ng P100 billion, nais namin ilagay sa edukasyon,” he said.

Aquino urged the government to trust LGUs and NGOs committed to uplifting education in their communities, saying such partnerships will be key to ensuring safe, adequate, and timely classroom construction nationwide.