THE DEPARTMENT of Education expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Senate for supporting a higher budget for fiscal year 2026.

DepEd said the additional resources will help address persistent gaps in classrooms, learning recovery, and teacher welfare.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency’s proposed budget or “wishlist” for 2026 amounts to around P193.5 billion.

Senators also expressed support for prioritizing education.

“Let me just manifest that we are in full support of DepEd. With everything that’s happening, I’m really hoping we can funnel these initiatives, which we know can truly help our people and especially our children,” said Basic Education Committee Chairperson Sen. Bam Aquino.

“We are in agreement to focus that windfall on education. Kung kami tatanungin ni Senator Bam, talagang gusto namin ibuhos sa education, basic education in particular,” added Finance Committee Chairperson Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who also emphasized the need to channel the fiscal windfall to schools.

Meanwhile, Angara assured lawmakers that DepEd is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and timely use of funds.

“Titiyakin po natin na walang masasayang sa ating budget. Safeguards are in place to make sure resources reach schools and learners without delay,” he said.