SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday said the proposed 2026 education budget will be anchored on strategic investments aimed at developing the Filipino people, with emphasis on early childhood learning, literacy, and teacher quality.

“My commitment to an education budget for fiscal year 2026 focuses on strategic investments in developing the Filipino people,” Gatchalian said.

“We will prioritize early childhood education, strengthen literacy and numeracy, and fund the ARAL Program Act to support struggling learners,” he added.

The senator emphasized that inclusive education will also be a top priority, with budget support earmarked for learners with disabilities as well as the Alternative Learning System to reach disadvantaged communities.

To further improve teaching quality, Gatchalian said the 2026 budget will allocate resources to the Teacher Education Council and its programs, ensuring continuous professional development for educators.

“Beyond facilities, our goal is to strengthen the next generations of Filipinos,” he added.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, has long pushed for reforms to address classroom shortages, improve learning outcomes, and better align education programs with the needs of learners nationwide.