DepEd eyes 1:1 textbook-to-student ratio with P19.5B funding

Public school students across the country could soon have their own textbooks in class as the Department of Education (DepEd) rolls out a P19.5-billion program aimed at achieving a one-student-one-textbook ratio nationwide.

The allotment, which is part of the national budget for 2026, aims to assist initiatives to improve literacy among Filipino students and alleviate the persistent lack of educational resources in public schools. The effort coincides with the government’s ongoing implementation of changes under the updated Matatag Curriculum.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced the progrm on March 12, as he opened the Philippine Book Festival 2026, a national showcase of Filipino-authored books organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

According to DepEd, the funding is intended to improve access to textbooks in public schools, support literacy initiatives, and alleviate the lack of educational resources. 

In order to increase the availability of authorized educational materials, the department has also expedited procurement procedures.

Angara said early procurement activities led to a 289-percent increase in approved textbook titles over the past year, which the department expects will help speed up the delivery of books to schools.

“While we are moving forward toward digital transformation, we remain invested in what continues to matter — encouraging our learners to strengthen their literacy through books,” Angara emphasized.

“Books serve as vital bridges connecting our learners to new knowledge and to their identity. Under the vision of President Bongbong Marcos, we continue to expand efforts to help students appreciate the power of books,” he added.

Additionally, DepEd stated that the NBDB has been given P206.571 million in financing for 2026 to assist Filipino publishers, authors, and literacy initiatives targeted at young readers. The NBDB is an attached agency to the department as the central authority for the publishing sector.