The Department of Education (DepEd) is seeking a ₱928.52-billion allocation under the proposed 2026 national budget, equivalent to 4% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), to sustain programs on classrooms, nutrition, digital learning, and teacher welfare.
Education Secretary and former Senator Sonny Angara said Tuesday that the proposed budget, now under Senate scrutiny, is designed to “make every peso count” for learners and teachers.
“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,” Angara told senators.
₱56.4 billion od of the total budget will fund school infrastructure, including the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, medium-rise buildings, school electrification, and the establishment of library hubs and resilient facilities.
Nutrition also takes a hefty share, with ₱50.6 billion earmarked for the School-Based Feeding Program. This covers 25 additional feeding days, meals for malnourished pupils, and extended support for adolescent mothers.
To close the digital gap, ₱16 billion is set for 243,000 laptops and internet connectivity in offline schools.
Teacher development is also a priority, with ₱6 billion allocated for career progression programs that will benefit more than 113,000 teachers and school heads.
Angara emphasized that the Marcos administration’s education budget is meant to address immediate gaps 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,” he said.
In addition, DepEd has prepared a ₱33.6 billion “wishlist” for expanded feeding days, disaster preparedness measures, professional development, and facility modernization — subject to available fiscal space.