Education Sector Leads in 2026 Budget Proposal
The education sector is poised to be the biggest beneficiary under the Department of Budget and Management’s proposed 2026 budget. Officials reported that the proposed budget for education has been increased to P1.2 trillion, marking a significant rise compared to previous years.
On Wednesday, the Department of Budget and Management formally submitted the P6.7 trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) to the House of Representatives. The lawmakers are scheduled to review the proposal next month as they prepare the General Appropriations Bill (GAB). The education sector’s allocation is a key highlight of this budget proposal.
Boosting Education Funding to Meet Global Recommendations
If approved as proposed, the P1.2 trillion budget for education will represent a substantial increase from last year’s P1 trillion. This boost aligns with the United Nations’ recommendation for countries to allocate 4 to 6 percent of their gross domestic product to education funding. Local leaders noted that this increase could help strengthen the country’s education system across multiple levels.
The breakdown includes a P928.5 billion allocation for the Department of Education (DepEd), reflecting an 18.7 percent rise from the P782.2 billion set in the 2025 budget. Additionally, state universities and colleges (SUCs) are allotted P134.9 billion, while the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is proposed to receive P33.9 billion. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will also benefit with a P20.2 billion allocation.
Increased Allowances and Technology Investments
Teaching personnel will see a 3.2 percent increase in allowances, rising from P9.9 billion to P10.3 billion for the 2026 school year. Community members said this boost will support educators’ welfare and motivation.
One of the most notable improvements is in the DepEd Computerization Program, which had faced a P10 billion cut last year. The proposed budget now allocates P16.5 billion to this program, enabling the purchase of over 48,000 laptops for teachers and providing internet access to more than 3,200 schools nationwide.
Addressing Past Budget Cuts and Ensuring Priorities
Last year, the education sector suffered significant last-minute budget cuts during the bicameral conference committee, with DepEd losing P12 billion and SUCs facing a P14.5 billion reduction. These cuts went against the constitutional mandate that prioritizes education in the national budget, local authorities lamented.
In contrast, the proposed 2026 budget reflects a 7.4 percent increase from this year’s P6.3 trillion national budget, signaling a renewed focus on education and other critical sectors.
Presidential Stance on Budget Alignment
Officials reported that President Marcos has warned Congress that he will not sign any General Appropriations Bill that does not conform to the National Expenditure Program. He even indicated he might resort to reenacting the 2025 budget if the 2026 bill fails to align with the proposed NEP.
Such a stance underscores the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and prioritizing key sectors like education.
For more news and updates on education funding, visit Filipinokami.com.
