SENATE Committee on Basic Education Chairman Bam Aquino welcomed the approval by the Bicameral Conference Committee of a P1.38-trillion education budget under the proposed 2026 national budget, calling it a major victory for Filipino youth.

Aquino said the approved allocation ensures substantial funding for key education programs, including P68 billion for classroom construction, P25.6 billion for the School-Based Feeding Program, P67 billion for Free College Education, and increased funding for the Tertiary Education Subsidy.

He noted that the measure fulfills commitments made during the previous elections to push for adequate and sustained funding for education.

Aquino expressed optimism that the budget will help address long-standing challenges in the sector, particularly the country’s significant classroom backlog and the need to improve nutrition among Filipino students.

“This will go a long way in responding to the many problems facing our education system—from reducing the severe shortage of classrooms to ensuring better nutrition for more Filipino learners,” Aquino said.

He also extended his gratitude to key leaders and lawmakers who helped safeguard the education budget throughout the legislative process, including Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, House Speaker Bojie Dy, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian, and House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Mika Suansing, as well as fellow legislators and members of the public who closely monitored the budget deliberations.

According to Aquino, public vigilance played a critical role in ensuring that education funds were not reduced during the budget process.

However, he stressed that the work does not end with budget approval. Aquino urged continued unity and oversight to ensure that the funds are used properly.