Manila, Aug. 13 -- 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 ...