THE DEPARTMENT of Education emphasized that the proposed P41.18-billion budget for government subsidies to the private education sector in 2026 is expected to expand the coverage of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE).

The Senate has approved on third and final reading the 2026 national budget, with the education sector receiving the largest allocation.

According to DepEd, the budget increase reflects President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s continuing effort to strengthen and broaden the support system for around 2.6 million learners studying in private institutions, especially in areas where public schools face capacity or accessibility challenges.

The Department also noted that the expansion of GASTPE serves as a strategic congestion-management measure.

“Ang lahat ng ito ay para siguraduhin ang pagbibigay ng dekalidad na edukasyon, lalo na sa mga lugar na kulang ang pampublikong paaralan,” Angara said.

“Kaya’t tungkulin ng DepEd na tiyakin na ang mas mataas na pondo para sa vouchers at subsidy ay ginagamit nang tama. Sa pakikipagtulungan sa private sector, sisiguraduhin nating tuloy at tiyak ang pag-aaral ng mahigit dalawang milyong kabataan.