SENATOR Bam Aquino has urged the government to prioritize funding for education and the universal school feeding program over questionable infrastructure projects, particularly controversial flood control initiatives, under the proposed 2027 national budget.

Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, stressed that public funds should be directed toward programs that directly benefit Filipinos, particularly students who need classrooms, nutritious meals, and better learning facilities.

The senator expressed concern over the House of Representatives’ decision to cut the Department of Education’s (DepEd) proposed budget by ₱6.17 billion, reducing its allocation from ₱975.96 billion to ₱969.79 billion under the 2027 General Appropriations Bill.

The cuts include ₱3.1 billion from the Basic Education Facilities Fund, which was reduced from ₱30.55 billion to ₱27.45 billion, as well as reductions in the department’s computerization program.

Aquino said the government should instead redirect funds from questionable infrastructure projects to classroom construction and repair, as well as school feeding programs.

He recalled that flood control projects received zero funding in 2025 amid controversies that continue to surround these initiatives.

The senator also raised alarm over the proposed reduction in the Expanded National Nutrition Program budget, which would drop from ₱25.7 billion this year to ₱11.43 billion in 2027.

He warned that the funding cut could undermine efforts to expand the school feeding program to cover all public school learners from Kindergarten to Grade 3.

Aquino noted that the cost per meal has already increased from ₱25 to ₱35 due to rising food prices, making adequate funding for the program even more critical.

He cautioned that despite the higher cost of providing meals, the reduced overall budget could limit the number of children who would receive food assistance.

The senator emphasized that hunger remains a major barrier to learning, stressing that students cannot perform well in school if they lack adequate nutrition.

As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Aquino vowed to push for sufficient funding for education, the universal school feeding program, and other essential initiatives to improve the country’s education system.