BBM emergency powers to solve classroom lack backed

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has expressed support for the passage of a proposed measure seeking to grant President Marcos emergency powers to address the country's classroom shortage, which now exceeds 165,000.

- By BELLA CARIASO

Earlier, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre filed House Bill 5103, which aims to declare a state of national emergency to tackle the severe lack of classrooms across the country.

Under the bill, President Marcos would be granted temporary emergency powers to fast-track classroom construction by adopting special procurement measures, reallocating government funds and establishing an oversight task force to address the shortage.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara previously disclosed that the shortage is primarily due to the country's growing population.

Both the Department of Education (DepEd) and EDCOM 2 reported that the education system continues to struggle with a persistent and severe classroom shortage, compounded by a massive backlog in the repair and rehabilitation of existing school facilities.

The measure cited that millions of students are currently attending overcrowded classes, with many schools implementing double or triple shifts, while others resort to makeshift or condemned structures, compromising students' health, safety and learning outcomes.

The bill also noted that the country's frequent exposure to natural calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes has worsened the situation, necessitating the immediate repair and reconstruction of thousands of damaged schools.