As the Philippine school year 2025–2026 officially opens on June 16, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian raised urgent concerns about the persistent classroom shortages in urban areas and the increasing number of bullying incidents in schools. With 27.6 million students expected to attend classes nationwide, these issues are critical as the new academic year begins.
Classroom Shortages in Urban Areas
Senator Gatchalian highlighted that classroom shortages remain a significant problem, particularly in urban areas. The lack of classrooms has forced many schools to operate in overcrowded conditions, which affects the quality of education. He called for a larger allocation of funds in the upcoming national budget to accelerate classroom construction projects.
“The construction of classrooms should be swift,” Gatchalian stated. “Before, it took two to three years to build classrooms, and sometimes the president’s term ends before the classrooms are completed. We are working on fixing this issue now.”
Addressing Bullying and Mental Health Issues
Aside from infrastructure problems, bullying has become an increasing concern in schools, particularly among senior high school students. Gatchalian noted a rise in bullying incidents that affect students’ mental well-being. To address this, the senator plans to ramp up efforts to raise awareness and provide solutions through caravans that will focus on mental health and anti-bullying measures.
“We will be doing caravans to educate parents and communities on how to handle these issues,” he said. “Mental health is one of the primary concerns, especially among senior high school students. Bullying and its impact on students need to be tackled seriously.”
Supporting Parents and Communities
Gatchalian emphasized the importance of involving parents and communities in tackling bullying and mental health issues. The upcoming initiatives will equip them with the tools and knowledge to better support students in their schools and daily lives.
The senator believes that fostering a safe, healthy, and supportive school environment will require a holistic approach, one that includes both infrastructure development and mental health support for students.
The Road Ahead
As classes resume this academic year, the need for swift action on classroom shortages and bullying is clear. Gatchalian’s call for more funding in the national budget for classroom construction and his focus on mental health initiatives reflect the growing challenges faced by students, parents, and educators.
With the school year 2025–2026 now in full swing, it is hoped that these efforts will help create an environment where students can thrive both academically and emotionally, supported by the infrastructure and resources they need.
References
- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on dzBB: Source
- Department of Education Announcement on Enrollment for SY 2025-2026: Source
- Bullying in Senior High School – Philippine News: Source
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