SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has called for a concerted effort to address the country’s pressing education concerns as Congress deliberates on the proposed 2027 national budget.

In a Facebook livestream, Cayetano said education, along with agriculture and the challenges faced by small businesses, should remain among the country’s priorities.

On education, Cayetano called for the restoration of full-day classes in public schools, saying shortened school days could put Filipino students at a disadvantage compared with learners in other countries.

“Until we bring back the school na whole day, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., hindi tayo makakapag-compete sa Vietnam, Japan, Korea, at ibang mga bansa who give their children the full benefit ng pag-aaral,” Cayetano said.

He also raised concerns about the potential impact of disparities between public and private schooling, warning that educational inequality could further widen the gap between wealthier and poorer Filipinos.

Cayetano said addressing the country’s education problems requires everyone—from government leaders to ordinary citizens—to contribute to solutions and reexamine national priorities.

The Senate began committee deliberations on the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 on August 27.

Plenary debates are targeted for November, with passage expected before the end of the year.