A WEEK after the House of Representatives approved the ₱6.793-trillion 2026 General Appropriations Bill on third and final reading, Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Suansing, chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, presented the final version of the measure to the media.

Suansing highlighted the restoration of critical education and social sector funding, including the full funding of all state universities and colleges (SUCs) nationwide.

According to Suansing, the realigned budget reflects the priorities of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Agenda for Prosperity, describing it as a true “People’s Budget.”

Under the House-approved version, the ₱12.31-billion funding gap for 114 SUCs across the country has been fully addressed.

This ensures that all state universities and colleges will have complete operational budgets for 2026, covering academic programs, faculty hiring, and infrastructure needs.

Suansing emphasized that the education sector remains the top budgetary priority, consistent with the Constitution’s mandate.

The Department of Education received an additional ₱56.6 billion, raising its total allocation to ₱1.28 trillion, equivalent to 4.1% of the national GDP — a level aligned with international education spending standards.

The adjustments followed President Marcos’ directive to reduce ₱255.5 billion from the Department of Public Works and Highways’ flood control funds. Portions of the reallocated budget were redirected toward social services, education, and health programs.