The Department of Education (DepEd) is seeking a PHP928.52-billion allocation in the proposed 2026 national budget, equivalent to four percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), to sustain programs for classrooms, nutrition, digital learning, and teacher welfare.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said Tuesday that the proposed budget, now under Senate scrutiny, aims to “make every peso count” for learners and educators.
“Malaki pa ang hamon na hinaharap natin sa sektor ng edukasyon, ngunit malinaw ang direksyon — bawat pondo ay para sa mga guro at mag-aaral (We face enormous challenges in the education sector, but the direction is clear — every peso is for our teachers and learners),” Angara told senators.
Of the total, PHP56.4 billion will be used for school infrastructure, including the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, medium-rise buildings, electrification of schools, and the establishment of library hubs and resilient facilities.
Nutrition also takes a substantial share, with PHP50.6 billion earmarked for the School-Based Feeding Program. This will cover 25 additional feeding days, provide meals for malnourished pupils, and extend feeding support to adolescent mothers.
To narrow the digital divide, PHP16 billion is allocated for 243,000 laptops and internet connectivity for schools that remain offline.
The proposed budget also invests in teacher development, with PHP6 billion set aside for career progression benefiting more than 113,000 teachers and school heads.
Angara said these allocations reflect the Marcos administration’s commitment to address immediate needs while laying the foundation for long-term reforms.
“Ang edukasyon ay hindi natatapos sa isang taon o sa isang budget cycle. Ito ay pangmatagalang laban na nangangailangan ng matatag na suporta (Education does not end in a year or a budget cycle. It is a long-term struggle that requires strong support),” he added.
DepEd has prepared a PHP33.6-billion “wishlist” covering additional feeding days, disaster preparedness, professional development, and modernization of facilities, subject to fiscal space. (PNA)