The Department of Education has proposed a record P928.52 billion (USD16.4 billion) budget for 2026. The plan seeks to expand classrooms, strengthen school feeding programs, provide digital tools for teachers, and open wider career opportunities across the sector.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara presented the proposal before a Senate finance subcommittee on Tuesday, describing it as a comprehensive investment in both 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,” Sec. Angara said. “This is about addressing urgent needs while building a stronger foundation for the future.”
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Expanding Classrooms and Nutrition Programs
The budget includes P13.2 billion to build nearly 4,900 new classrooms in 2026, with a broader target of 40,000 by 2028 through partnerships with local governments and private stakeholders.
Another P11.8 billion will support the School-Based Feeding Program, which provides meals to all kindergarten children and undernourished pupils from Grades 1 to 6. Officials said the initiative is designed to help learners stay in school and perform better in class.
Supporting Teachers in a Digital Age
Teachers are a central focus of the proposal. About P16 billion has been earmarked for laptops and internet connectivity in schools, part of DepEd’s effort to modernize classrooms and support long-term digital transformation.
An additional P6 billion will fund career progression, covering the promotion of around 113,000 teachers and school leaders. DepEd said this represents its most significant allocation yet for teacher advancement.
To promote accountability, the department will publish monthly dashboards tracking classrooms built, meals served, and laptops distributed. Lawmakers and the public will be able to monitor progress through these reports.
“Ang edukasyon ay hindi natatapos sa isang taon o sa isang budget cycle,” Sec. Angara added. “It is a long-term effort that requires steady support from government, the private sector, and every Filipino.”
Senators reviewing the proposal expressed support for the plan. If enacted, the 2026 budget would be one of the largest single-year increases in Philippine education funding.
Investing in the Future
For Sec. Angara, the proposal represents a clear commitment to address urgent needs while preparing schools for long-term change. It underscores his push to make education a shared priority for government, communities, and families alike.
The plan now heads to plenary debates, where its approval would mark a decisive step toward strengthening Philippine education and securing greater opportunities for the next generation.
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