The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed its gratitude to the House of Representatives following the plenary floor approval of the agency’s proposed PHP975.96 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which accounts for 13.55% of the total PHP7.2 trillion national budget.
The allocation includes bipartisan support from lawmakers to restore or augment critical programs beyond the original National Expenditure Program (NEP) proposal.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara praised the House leadership and lawmakers, led by budget sponsor Davao de Oro 1st district Rep. Maria Carmen S. Zamora for backing DepEd’s efforts to address critical gaps in campus security, learning recovery, and basic infrastructure.
“We deeply appreciate the House of Representatives’ strong commitment to education and the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in advancing the country’s education agenda. This support will help us protect learners, support teachers, accelerate learning recovery, and improve learning outcomes across the country,” Angara said.
“Mas maraming resources, mas marami tayong magagawa para sa ating mga paaralan, guro, at mag-aaral.”
During the plenary deliberations, Angara and lawmakers highlighted the necessity of securing supplementary funding for priority programs. DepEd has submitted a “wish list” to cover key areas, including school security, mental health support, learning recovery programs, teacher hiring and career progression, and classroom construction.
The call for enhanced security infrastructure gained added urgency following the recent shooting incident at Banga National High School in South Cotabato. DepEd requested additional allocations for physical security, such as security personnel, metal detectors, and perimeter fences, alongside funding under the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act to hire School Counselor Associates and support staff.
“Schools must be sacred, safe spaces where parents feel confident sending their children every day. With these additional resources, we can establish the necessary physical safeguards and psychosocial support systems to ensure peace of mind across all our campuses,” Angara said.
Angara also highlighted the importance of sustaining momentum in basic education recovery, particularly through the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program. Targeted interventions under ARAL helped reduce the number of struggling readers nationwide from 6.7 million to 2.2 million during School Year 2025–2026.
The requested additional funding will support the ARAL Program, expansion of the School-Based Feeding Program, recruitment and promotion of teachers and support staff, classroom construction and repairs, school safety and security, and specialized learning programs such as Special Needs Education (SNEd), Madrasah, and Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd).
Angara reaffirmed DepEd’s commitment to fiscal integrity, accountability, and active collaboration with stakeholders and lawmakers regarding policy recommendations raised during the budget hearing.
“Mas maraming resources, mas marami tayong magagawa para sa ating mga paaralan, guro, at mag-aaral,” Angara said. “Kasabay nito, sisiguraduhin natin na ang bawat pondo ay magdudulot ng mabilis, malinaw, at makabuluhang pagbabago sa edukasyon at sa buhay ng bawat batang Pilipino.”
DepEd will work closely with legislative and community partners to address remaining gaps in foundational skills and build on recent gains in basic education.
