DepEd 2026 Budget Faces Criticism Despite Hike
The proposed 2026 budget for the Department of Education (DepEd) remains insufficient, according to ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio. Despite an 18.89-percent increase from the 2025 allocation, the funding does not fully address the agency’s pressing needs, officials reported.
For 2025, DepEd received a budget of P734.187 billion under the General Appropriations Act. Meanwhile, the 2026 National Expenditure Program proposes an allocation of P872.887 billion for the department. This budget boost, however, has not quelled concerns among education advocates and community members.
Classroom Construction Targets Under Scrutiny
One major concern raised involves the number of classrooms slated for construction next year. In his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged to build 40,000 classrooms by the end of his term in three years. Yet, the 2026 budget message reveals plans to build only 4,869 classrooms in the upcoming year.
“We doubt that the target will be met if, in 2026, only about 4,000 classrooms will be built. The shortage is overwhelming. DepEd itself admits that. But, how come the target is only so small for classroom construction?” Tinio said in a statement written in Filipino.
Classroom Backlog Remains a Huge Challenge
Data from DepEd highlights a staggering backlog of 165,000 classrooms nationwide. This gap poses a significant obstacle to delivering quality education, community leaders noted. The limited number of new classrooms planned for 2026 falls far short of addressing this urgent need.
Budget Process and Next Steps
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently submitted its proposed P6.793-trillion budget for fiscal year 2026 to President Marcos. Congressional hearings on the 2026 budget are scheduled to begin on August 18, where lawmakers will scrutinize allocations, including those for DepEd.
As discussions continue, education advocates urge a more substantial investment to meet classroom shortages and other critical needs within the department.
For more news and updates on DepEd 2026 budget, visit Filipinokami.com.
