Historic 4 Percent GDP Education Budget in Philippines
For the first time in Philippine history, the education sector receives a historic 4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 national budget. This allocation amounts to a staggering P1.224 trillion, marking a significant leap from previous years.
Previously, the education budget hovered around 3.2 percent of the GDP over the last decade, with the highest allocation recorded in 2017 at 3.96 percent. This new budget milestone reflects a strong commitment to improving education nationwide, local leaders noted.
Breakdown of the 2026 Education Budget
The 2026 National Expenditure Program details the distribution of the P1.224 trillion education budget as follows:
- P928.52 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd)
- P134.99 billion allocated for state universities and colleges
- P34 billion designated for the Commission on Higher Education
- P20.24 billion for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
Officials reported that these funds aim to strengthen all levels of education, from basic to higher and technical education.
DepEd’s Gratitude and UNESCO Compliance
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara expressed sincere gratitude toward the Department of Budget and Management and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mahal na Pangulo dahil, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, compliant sa UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) standards ang budget ng edukasyon. Patunay ito na nasa pinakamataas na prayoridad ni PBBM ang edukasyon ng ating bansa,” Angara said.
He emphasized that the education budget now meets UNESCO’s Education 2030 Framework for Action, which recommends that countries allocate at least four to six percent of GDP to education. “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 added.
Addressing the Education Crisis
Community members and education sector groups have long advocated for increased funding to tackle the ongoing education crisis. An expanded budget is expected to enable schools to hire more teachers, construct additional classrooms, enhance support programs, and develop digital learning platforms.
Detailed Department of Education Budget Allocation
The Department of Education’s proposed 2026 budget includes key allocations aimed at improving educational infrastructure and services:
- P115.4 billion for school operations, the Senior High School Voucher Program, and the School-Based Feeding Program
- P41.6 billion for the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of classrooms under the Basic Education Facilities Fund
- P15.4 billion for additional plantilla positions, including Project Development Officers and Administrative Officers
- P13.8 billion to support the DepEd Computerization Program
- P840.9 million for the National Museum of the Philippines
- P251.1 million allocated to the National Academy of Sports
- P207.5 million for the Teacher Education Council
- P160.7 million for the Philippine High School for the Arts
- P156.6 million for the National Book Development Board
- P72.6 million for the National Council for Children’s Television
These allocations reflect a comprehensive approach to enhance both the physical and academic aspects of education across the country, sources said.
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