SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian expressed elation over the significant increase in the 2023 national budget of the Department of Education.

Gatchalian said with the additional funding for the education department, the government can continue funding various programs that provide financial assistance to learners such as the Free Higher Education Law.

DepEd’s budget, the senator further said, also meant the repair and rehabilitation of damaged school facilities.

“Umaasa tayo na sa susunod na taon ay mas marami nang mga mag-aaral ang makakabalik muli sa kanilang mga eskwelahan at mas marami pa tayong mga kababayan na makakaahon na sa kahirapan,” Gatchalian said.

Moreover, the senator stressed the swift passage of next year’s national budget is a manifestation the country is on its way to sustain economic recovery amid the ill effects of Covid19 pandemic.

The senator said next year’s budget also includes social safety nets, such as subsidies for fuel and for the poorest of the poor, as the government recognizes the need to support the marginalized sectors of the society.