For the first time in Philippine history, the national government has earmarked 4% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for education, meeting the global benchmark set by UNESCO. The Department of Education (DepEd) lauded the move, calling it a landmark investment in the future of Filipino learners.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for allocating ₱1.224 trillion to the education sector under the proposed FY 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP). The budget marks an 18.9% increase from the previous year and reflects the administration’s commitment to prioritizing education.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mahal na Pangulo dahil, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, compliant sa UNESCO standards ang budget ng edukasyon,” Angara said. “Patunay ito na nasa pinakamataas na prayoridad ni PBBM ang edukasyon ng ating bansa.”

Under the proposed budget, DepEd will receive the lion’s share at ₱928.52 billion. State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) are set to get ₱134.99 billion, while the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will receive ₱34 billion and ₱20.24 billion, respectively.

Angara emphasized that the budget is anchored on DepEd’s 5-Point Reform Agenda, which includes:

– ₱115.4 billion for school operations, the Senior High School Voucher Program, and the School-Based Feeding Program 

– ₱41.6 billion for classroom construction, repair, and rehabilitation under the Basic Education Facilities Fund 

– ₱15.4 billion for new plantilla positions to support teachers 

– ₱13.8 billion for the DepEd Computerization Program to enhance digital learning 

DepEd’s attached agencies will also benefit from the proposed allocations, including:

National Museum of the Philippines ₱840.9 million, National Academy of Sports  ₱251.1 million, Teacher Education Council  ₱207.5 million, Philippine High School for the Arts ₱160.7 million, National Book Development Board ₱156.6 million, National Council for Children’s TV ₱72.6 million.

Angara described the budget as a “historic move” that not only fulfills international standards but also signals a renewed commitment to uplifting the quality of education across the country.

DepEd is scheduled to defend its proposed budget in the upcoming committee-level deliberations at the House of Representatives, where lawmakers will scrutinize the allocations and programs aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in the education sector.