SENATE  Finance Committee Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday stressed that the 2026 General Appropriations Act  strengthens inclusive education by ensuring sustained funding for learners with disabilities and the Alternative Learning System.

Under the 2026 national budget, P4.917 billion is allotted for Flexible Learning Options, which includes P897 million for ALS and P400.67 million for the Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM).

An additional P3.62 billion is allocated for learning resources for ALS and ADM.

Meanwhile, P56 million under the Basic Education Facilities Program is set aside for the construction of ALS Community Learning Centers (CLCs).

In selecting sites for ALS CLCs, priority will be given to areas with limited access to formal education, communities with high numbers of out-of-school children, and adults lacking basic literacy skills or those who have dropped out of school.

The Special Needs Education Program will receive P1.04 billion to better support learners with disabilities.

An amount of P209 million is also allocated to establish Inclusive Learning Resource Centers nationwide or to convert existing Special Education centers, while P100 million is earmarked for textbooks and other instructional materials for learners with disabilities.

“Sa 2026 budget, malinaw ang ating paninindigan sa inclusive education. Walang ALS learner o learner with disability ang maiiwan,” Gatchalian said.