THE DEPARTMENT of Education will receive a significantly higher allocation following the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget, with its final budget set at ₱961.3 billion, according to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).

The approved amount represents an increase of ₱86.8 billion from the level initially proposed under the National Expenditure Program (NEP), reflecting lawmakers’ strong commitment to strengthening the country’s education sector.

A major portion of the increase will fund school infrastructure through the Basic Education Facilities Fund, which received an additional ₱57.3 billion. This allocation is expected to support the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms nationwide, with the government targeting around 34,000 new classrooms by 2026.

Learner support programs also received substantial boosts, particularly the School-Based Feeding Program, which was allocated ₱25.6 billion. The enhanced funding will allow the program to expand from 120 feeding days to 180 days, while the Senate version proposes extending it further to 200 days for kindergarten and Grade 1 learners. Officials noted that the program also stimulates local economies, as a significant portion of the funds will be used for direct purchases from local farmers and fishing communities, exempting these transactions from public bidding requirements.

Meanwhile, the budget for textbooks and other instructional materials was increased by ₱8.3 billion from NEP levels, bringing the total allocation to ₱19.5 billion. The additional funding aims to address shortages and ensure the timely delivery of learning materials to public schools.

Teacher welfare and administrative support remain key priorities under the approved budget. Funds have been earmarked under the Administration of Personnel Benefits to cover teaching overload honoraria, overtime pay, terminal leave benefits, and relocation allowances. The DepEd Office of the Secretary alone received an approved budget of ₱958.7 billion.

For curriculum and learning support improvements, ₱5.674 billion was allocated for the Basic Education Curriculum, including enhancements to programs such as the Academic Remedial Assistance for Learning.

Digitalization initiatives also received a boost, with ₱16.8 billion allocated for internet subscriptions, information and communication technology, and equipment, including laptops to expand Wi-Fi access in schools nationwide.

EDCOM 2 credited the passage of the robust education budget to the efforts of its commissioner, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Finance.