Jonell Rhae Manalo

The House of Representatives approved the Department of Education's Php 793.1 billion budget for 2025 on Sept.  25, under the leadership of newly appointed DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara.

Photo Courtesy of DepEd/Depositphotos.

The bill was sponsored by Davao De Oro 1st District Rep. and House Appropriations Committee Vice-Chair Maria Carmen Zamora, who delivered her sponsorship speech. 

In Zamora’s message, she stated the approval of DepEd’s funding will empower the department to further continue its mission to provide free quality education and equip learners to be prepared for tomorrow’s challenges and successes.

She further backed the department’s budget by citing the agency’s five-point agenda which she said is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives in his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), emphasizing an educational reform that focuses on up-skilling the country’s educators.

The five-point agenda Zamora stressed on improving educational outcomes by ensuring senior high school graduates are employable; raising education quality through enhancing the curriculum to meet global standards; addressing classroom and digital gaps by improving school infrastructure and digitality; up-skilling educators by providing training and professional development; and promoting learner well-being by focusing on the holistic development of students.

"This budget reflects our shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of every Filipino learner,” Angara said.

He then extended his gratitude to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora, and the House members for their support in passing the agency’s budget.

The department’s budget will also be apportioned to several agencies including the National Book Development Board (NBDB), National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT), National Museum, Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD), and National Academy of Sports (NAS).