SENATOR Bam Aquino welcomed the signing of the 2026 national budget into law, saying it ensures that vital education programs—such as classroom construction and the implementation of the School-Based Feeding Program—will be adequately funded and properly implemented.

“Panalo ang kabataang Pilipino ngayong naaprubahan na ang 2026 national budget. Sa pamamagitan nito, mapopondohan na at maipatutupad nang tama ang mga mahahalagang programang makatutulong upang mapalakas at mapabuti ang sektor ng edukasyon,” said Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

“May pondo na para sa pagpapatayo ng mga silid-aralan, dagdag na budget para sa School-Based Feeding Program at libreng kolehiyo, at iba pang mahahalagang suporta para sa mga mag-aaral upang matiyak na mas maayos silang makakapag-aral,” he added.

The ₱1.34-trillion education budget—the largest in the country’s history—allocates ₱68 billion for the construction of new classrooms and ₱25.6 billion for the expansion of the School-Based Feeding Program.

The budget also earmarks ₱67 billion for the implementation of Republic Act No. 10931, or the Free College Law, which Aquino authored.

In addition, it adopts Aquino’s proposal for the allocation of ₱500 million under the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses of the Higher Education Development Program, specifically allotted to provide financial support for the Related Learning Experience requirements of students in allied health sciences programs.

Students set to benefit from this funding include those enrolled in allied health sciences programs such as Nursing, Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Radiologic Technology, Midwifery, Nutrition and Dietetics, Speech-Language Pathology, Human Biology/Pre-Med Allied Programs, Dentistry, Biochemistry, and Psychology.

In his speech, President Marcos said the education budget also supports the creation of teaching and non-teaching plantilla positions in public schools, as well as the promotion or reclassification of teachers to ensure quality learning.

However, Aquino reiterated his call for vigilance to ensure that the budget is implemented with full transparency so that every peso reaches its intended programs and directly benefits students.

“Sama-sama nating bantayan ang paggamit ng pondong ito, hanggang sa kahuli-hulihang sentimo, upang masigurong mapupunta ito sa edukasyon at hindi sa korapsyon,” he stressed.