- Education gets ₱1.224 trillion in the proposed 2026 national budget.
- The allocation equals 4% of GDP, meeting the Unesco benchmark.
- DepEd receives the largest share with focus on reforms, classrooms, and digital learning.
The Philippines has reached a historic milestone by allocating 4 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to education for the first time, aligning with Unesco standards. The proposed ₱1.224 trillion education budget for FY 2026 marks a significant investment in the country’s learning sector.
Education Secretary, Sonny Angara expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for prioritizing education in the proposed national budget.
Under the 2026 National Expenditure Program, the Department of Education (DepEd) will receive the largest share at ₱928.52 billion. Other allocations include ₱134.99 billion for State Universities and Colleges, ₱34 billion for CHED, and ₱20.24 billion for TESDA.
DepEd’s budget reflects its 5 Point Reform Agenda and shows an 18.9% increase from 2025. Around ₱115.4 billion will support school operations, the Senior High School Voucher Program, and the School Based Feeding Program. To address classroom shortages, ₱41.6 billion is set aside for construction, repair, and rehabilitation of school facilities.
The department also plans to strengthen its workforce by funding ₱15.4 billion for new plantilla positions, including Project Development Officers and Administrative Officers. In addition, ₱13.8 billion will support the DepEd Computerization Program, aimed at enhancing digital learning in schools.
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Attached agencies will also benefit, with funds allocated for the National Museum, National Academy of Sports, Teacher Education Council, Philippine High School for the Arts, National Book Development Board, and the National Council for Children’s Television.
DepEd is set to defend its proposed budget in upcoming congressional deliberations.
