SENATE Majority Leader Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri on Monday expressed strong support for the proposed national budget, underscoring education as a decisive factor in reducing poverty and driving long-term development, citing the experience of Bukidnon as a clear example.

In his explanation of vote, Zubiri said he voted in favor of the budget measure in recognition of what he described as the right and responsible steps taken by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

He stressed that well-documented and transparent budget amendments—particularly those that prioritize education—can bring lasting benefits to local communities.

Zubiri recalled that when he was first elected senator in 2016, Bukidnon ranked among the top 10 provinces with the highest poverty incidence in the country.

He said this prompted him to push for education-focused interventions through amendments to the national budget.

Among these were the establishment of additional schools and extension campuses of Bukidnon State University and Central Mindanao University, as well as the creation of 17 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority training centers across the province.

According to Zubiri, these investments expanded access to higher education and technical skills training, helping prepare residents for better employment opportunities.

Zubiri noted that the presence of universities and training centers in more communities reduced barriers to learning and skills development, especially in far-flung areas.

He added that education initiatives were complemented by infrastructure projects that improved access to schools and livelihoods.

Zubiri said the combined impact of education, skills training, and infrastructure contributed to Bukidnon’s economic turnaround.

Zubiri concluded by thanking the Senate leadership and the Bicameral Conference Committee for advancing what he described as the highest education budget in Philippine history—exceeding ₱1 trillion—and called for transparency and integrity in its implementation.

“Education has been proven, as shown in Bukidnon, to be the key factor in developing our country,” he said, expressing hope that transparent, education-centered budgeting would become the standard in future Congresses.