SENATOR Loren Legarda echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the unprecedented ₱1.38 trillion education allocation as proof of the government’s firm commitment to accessible and quality education at all levels.

“This historic ₱1.38-trillion education budget means more classrooms built, more students in state universities studying tuition-free, and more TESDA scholars gaining skills that translate into real jobs,” Legarda said. “Hindi na ito pangako lang sa papel, kundi konkretong oportunidad para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan.”

Highlights from the bicameral version include:

– DepEd’s budget: ₱961.32 billion (up from ₱914.14 billion in the House version and ₱874.50 billion in the President’s proposal), supporting classroom construction, digitalization, ICT connectivity, and services in highly urbanized areas.

– CHED’s allocation: ₱47.40 billion, with potential further growth from centralizing the ₱2.73 billion Tulong Dunong program and realignments from state universities and colleges.

– Closure of funding gaps: The ₱12.3 billion cumulative deficiency in Free Higher Education funding (2022–2025) will be addressed through ₱4.48 billion in direct appropriations and ₱7.82 billion from CHED’s Higher Education Development Fund.

These enhancements aim to strengthen the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education law, expand medical scholarships, establish English language labs, improve ICT infrastructure, and enhance student services.