DepEd to propose P928B budget in 2026; eyes allocation for teachers, students

The Department of Education (DepEd) will seek a P928.52 billion budget in 2026, prioritizing educational issues on classroom shortage, malnutrition, and lack of resources and supplies for teachers and students nationwide.

The proposed budget aligns with the recommended 4% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to resolve educational crises and concerns in the light of lifelong education reform. 

DepEd chair Sonny Angara submitted the proposal to the Senate, ensuring equal and accessible support and benefits for students and teachers from each peso. 

“Malaki pa ang hamon na kinakaharap natin sa sektor ng edukasyon, ngunit malinaw ang direksyon — bawat pondo ay para sa mga guro at mag-aaral. Mahalaga ang suporta ng ating Pangulo at mga mambabatas upang matugunan ang agarang pangangailangan habang hinuhubog ang matibay na pundasyon ng edukasyon,” he said.

Based on the agency’s plans,  P13.2 billion will be allotted for the construction of over 40,000 classrooms, P11.8 billion for the school-based feeding program for elementary pupils, P16 billion for the purchase of laptops for teachers and improved internet connectivity in public schools, and P6 billion for teachers’ career progression program.

Angara emphasized that the budget will not merely focus on the infrastructure or resources, but on the actual educational reforms that will positively impact Filipino families, youth, and educators.

To make this possible, the DepEd will employ monthly public dashboards and open government platforms, challenging the transparency and accountability of these prospective programs and projects. 

These platforms will determine the progress and updates of the projects to be monitored by the public and lawmakers.

On the other hand, Angara thanked the administration for continuous support and vowed for a better education state in the country.

“Ang bawat piso ay puhunan sa kinabukasan ng bawat batang Pilipino,” he emphasized.