Philippines Allocates Historic 4% GDP Education Budget
Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the historic allocation of P1.224 trillion to the education sector in the proposed FY 2026 national budget. This marks the first time the Philippines has dedicated 4% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to education, aligning with UNESCO standards.
According to officials, this landmark 4% GDP education budget demonstrates the government’s firm commitment to elevating the quality of education nationwide. “Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mahal na Pangulo dahil, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, compliant sa UNESCO standards ang budget ng edukasyon. Patunay ito na nasa pinakamataas na prayoridad ni PBBM ang edukasyon ng ating bansa,” Secretary Angara said.
Breakdown of the 2026 Education Budget
Sources revealed that the Department of Education (DepEd) will receive the largest portion of the budget, amounting to P928.52 billion. Meanwhile, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) are set to get P134.99 billion. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will be allocated P34 billion, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will receive P20.24 billion.
Community members noted that DepEd’s budget proposal reflects an 18.9% increase compared to the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act. Of this, P115.4 billion is earmarked to support school operations, the Senior High School Voucher Program, and the School-Based Feeding Program, among others.
Addressing Classroom Shortages and Workforce Enhancement
To tackle the persistent classroom shortage, the Department will allocate P41.6 billion for the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of classrooms through the Basic Education Facilities Fund. Local leaders highlighted that this effort aims to provide a better learning environment for students across the country.
Additionally, DepEd plans to strengthen its workforce by allocating P15.4 billion for new plantilla positions, including Project Development Officers and Administrative Officers. This move is designed to provide better support to teachers and improve overall education management.
Advancing Digital Learning and Support for Attached Agencies
Officials reported that P13.8 billion will fund the DepEd Computerization Program, which is vital to advancing digital learning initiatives nationwide. This investment seeks to equip learners and educators with modern technology and tools.
For DepEd’s attached agencies, the proposed budget allocations include the National Museum of the Philippines (P840.9 million), National Academy of Sports (P251.1 million), Teacher Education Council (P207.5 million), Philippine High School for the Arts (P160.7 million), National Book Development Board (P156.6 million), and the National Council for Children’s Television (P72.6 million), according to sources.
Next Steps for Budget Deliberations
Secretary Angara and his team are preparing to defend the proposed 2026 education budget during upcoming committee-level hearings at the House of Representatives. Officials anticipate rigorous discussions as they advocate for the continued prioritization of education funding.
“This landmark move is not only an investment in education—it is an investment in the future of our learners, ensuring they receive the highest quality of education possible,” Angara emphasized.
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