SENATE Finance Committee Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian said that for the first time in history, public school learners from Kindergarten to Grade 12 will receive complete sets of textbooks, following the P19.5-billion allocation in the 2026 national budget.

“Sa ilalim ng 2026 national budget, tiniyak nating wala nang mag-aaral ang kulang ang aklat. Kung dati ay ginagamit ng mahigit isang mag-aaral ang kada isang libro, hindi na ngayon,” Gatchalian said.

However, the senator called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure the proper and efficient use of the budget. He noted that in 2025, the utilization rate for textbooks and other instructional materials stood at only 14 percent.

Dr. Carmela Oracion, Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary for Learning System, reported to the Senate Committee on Finance that the department has already conducted early procurement of textbooks worth P7 billion.

The textbooks will be distributed to Grades 6, 9, and 10, which represent the final sets needed for the full implementation of the MATATAG curriculum.

Oracion added that the remaining P12 billion will be released to regional offices to support the nationwide rollout.