The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) on Wednesday recommended to end shifting schedules for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students.

The recommendation came after the Senate Basic Education Committee’s first hearing in the 20th Congress, which focused on addressing the 165,000-classroom backlog nationwide.

The shortage has forced thousands of schools to adopt double or triple shifts, limiting learning time for young pupils, many of whom are still dependent learners.

Due to the shortage in classrooms, the EDCOM also urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to tap local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to speed up and cut costs in classroom construction.

EDCOM 2 co-chair and Senate Basic Education Chairperson Senator Bam Aquino said the shortage figures do not include classrooms in poor condition, overcrowded rooms, or those built in the 1960s that are now condemned or used as evacuation centers.

“Our consultations with teachers and parents consistently show that children struggle to learn in overcrowded, dilapidated spaces,” Aquino said.

Aquino pushed Senate Bill No. 121, or the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act, to authorize LGUs and private entities to build classrooms with national government funding support.

EDCOM 2 Commissioner Senator Sherwin Gatchalian backed the measure, citing his experience as Valenzuela City mayor, where “counterparting” programs allowed simultaneous construction by the national government, LGUs, and private organizations. (PNA)