Sen. Aquino thanks Manila voters, bares 600-classroom plan
Senator Bam Aquino announced on Monday that 600 classrooms will be built in Manila under the 2026 national budget, as he thanked Manileños for giving him the highest votes in the city during the 2025 senatorial elections.
During the regular flag-raising ceremony on Monday, May 11, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso warmly introduced Aquino, describing him as a leader who continues to champion education and the welfare of the youth.
As part of his message of gratitude, Aquino said the 2026 national budget carries the largest allocation for the Department of Education, aimed at strengthening school facilities, learning conditions, and student development nationwide.
He said the funding includes the construction of around 600 classrooms in Manila, which is expected to help decongest overcrowded schools and provide better learning environments for students in the city.
“Sa mga classroom… nakaplano na po na humigit-kumulang 600 classrooms ang maibibigay sa Lungsod ng Maynila mula sa national budget (For classrooms… around 600 classrooms are already planned to be allocated to the City of Manila from the national budget),” he said.
Aquino added that the goal is to ease congestion and improve learning conditions in public schools.
He also noted that local government units may tap a portion of the national budget to implement or expand school feeding programs.
“Pwede pong kunin ng lungsod ang pro-rated budget para sa feeding program upang sila na mismo ang magpatupad nito (The city may access the pro-rated budget for feeding programs so it can implement it directly),” he said.
He emphasized that, alongside school infrastructure, nutrition support is crucial in improving students’ learning outcomes.
Meanwhile, Domagoso expressed gratitude to Aquino, noting his continued support for public scholars, particularly students of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.