THE HOUSE of Representatives has allocated an additional P10.06 billion for education programs under the proposed 2027 national budget, with funding intended to expand student assistance, improve school safety, and help more Filipino learners complete their education.

House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said poverty should not prevent young Filipinos from pursuing their educational aspirations, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to support students from basic education through college.

The additional allocations include P2.1 billion for the Tertiary Education Subsidy, P1.93 billion for the Basic Education Voucher Program for kindergarten to Grade 6 learners, and P1.77 billion for the Tulong Dunong Program.

The House also allocated an additional ₱500 million for the School Safety and Security Program to strengthen learner protection and address parents’ concerns about safety in schools.

Dy stressed that the government must ensure that children are not only protected but also given opportunities to pursue their studies, graduate, and build a better future.

Beyond the budget allocations, the Speaker cited the House’s approval on third and final reading of the Basic Education Voucher Assistance Act, which seeks to expand voucher assistance to kindergarten and elementary school students.

He also highlighted the enacted amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which prioritize students from households covered by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and expand assistance for disadvantaged learners.

Dy further cited the ratification of the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, a priority measure under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) that aims to improve access to higher education for qualified Filipino students.

The Speaker said the additional funding and legislative measures form part of the House’s efforts to make education more accessible and ensure that financial difficulties do not prevent Filipino youth from completing their studies.