SEN. Bong Go welcomed the approval on third and final reading of Senate Bill (SB) 1482, or the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, which he co-authored and co-sponsored.
The measure aims to address the persistent shortage of classrooms by institutionalizing a classroom-building acceleration program under the Department of Education (DepEd).
Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, stressed that the condition of educational facilities directly impacts students’ learning experiences and overall well-being, especially in public schools, where overcrowding remains a common challenge.
“This is not just a matter of the number of classrooms,” Go said in Filipino. “It is a matter of the quality of learning and the safety of children and teachers. The construction of facilities must be continuous and proper.”
SB 1482 establishes mechanisms to fast-track the building of classrooms by allowing qualified local government units and accredited partners to undertake construction projects in accordance with DepEd standards. The program also seeks to ensure that new classrooms are structurally sound and responsive to local conditions, including weather-related risks.
The CAP Act mandates the creation of a program management structure within DepEd to oversee project selection, implementation, and coordination to reduce delays and improve efficiency in classroom delivery.
Go noted that the passage of the measure reflects the Senate’s recognition of the urgent need to respond to classroom shortages that have accumulated over decades due to population growth, natural disasters, and the deterioration of existing school facilities.
