THE DEPARTMENT of Education announced yesterday that its 2021 budget is up for bicameral deliberations after it hurdled the Senate plenary budget hearing last week.

Sen. Pia Cayetano defended DepEd’s 2021 budget, including the funds of the National Museum, National Council for Children’s Television, Early Childhood Care and Development Council, National Book Development Board, Philippine High School for the Arts, and the newly established National Sports Academy.

“DepEd ensures that these funds are for the benefit of our teachers, learners and personnel as we continue to adapt to the changing times in education. We thank Senator Pia for graciously defending our budget, and we welcome our senators’ inputs to efficiently utilize our funds,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

Included in the 2021 budget was the allocation for higher supplies allowance from P3,500 to P5,000 next year.

The DepEd also appealed for the inclusion of an allocation for the annual medical exam of teachers and World Teachers’ Day incentive bonus in the 2021 budget.

The restoration of the funding level for the Senior High School Voucher program, flexible learning options, Indigenous People’s education, Special Education, disaster preparedness and response was also proposed.