The Department of Education (DepEd) has unveiled a significant increase in the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for public schools in 2026, aimed at strengthening classroom resources and addressing rising operational costs.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the move reflects the administration’s commitment to prioritize education.
“This significant additional funding is a clear message from President Bongbong Marcos that we are prioritizing the welfare of our schools and providing sufficient resources for our students,” Angara stated.
Under the new allocations, elementary schools will receive ₱2,792 per learner in 2026, up from ₱2,140 in 2025. Junior high schools will see an increase to ₱2,631 per learner from ₱2,201, while senior high schools will get ₱3,264 per learner compared to ₱2,784 the previous year.
“By channeling funds directly to our schools, we are ensuring that our teachers and students have adequate equipment and support to succeed and achieve their full potential,” Angara added.
DepEd explained that the adjustment is part of broader reforms under the Simplified Normative Funding Formula (SNFF), which bases allocations primarily on enrollment figures and essential school data.
“It is more practical and aims to make funding fairer and faster to distribute. Instead of focusing on per capita costs, the normative approach identifies the essential resources and services every school needs to function effectively,” the department noted.
The education sector has been granted a record ₱1.015-trillion budget for 2026, marking the first time the Philippines has met UNESCO’s benchmark of allocating at least 4% of GDP to education.
The increases are expected to give schools greater flexibility in addressing daily needs such as learning materials, utilities, minor repairs, and other operational requirements, ultimately supporting improved learning outcomes nationwide.