SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian assured the public that the proposed 2026 national budget includes funding for the rollout of free internet and the electrification of unenergized schools.

Under the Senate’s committee report on the 2026 national budget, ₱5 billion is allocated to the Department of Information and Communications Technology for the implementation of the Free Public Internet Access Program.

Gatchalian also proposed an amendment to a special provision to ensure that the free internet program will prioritize Department of Education (DepEd) schools and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

DepEd is likewise allocated ₱1.5 billion to improve internet access in public schools, with around 12,000 schools still unconnected.

Meanwhile, the National Electrification Administration will receive ₱3.6 billion specifically for energizing unpowered or off-grid schools, with some 6,000 public schools still without electricity.

According to the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, these allocations are sufficient to meet at least half of the requirements for school electrification and internet connectivity.

“Hopefully in two years, wala na tayong problema with electrification and internet connectivity sa ating mga public schools,” said Gatchalian.