HOUSE Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Tuesday highlighted that a key feature of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill is its historic support for the education sector.

For the first time, he noted, education funding is set at 4.1 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, surpassing international benchmarks and underscoring the government’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of national development.

Dy described the passage of the national budget as one of Congress’ most important constitutional responsibilities, emphasizing the need to prioritize sectors that directly affect the lives of Filipinos.

Ahead of the Christmas break, he said the 2026 budget represents a pioneering measure—not only for the transparency of the process but also for the clarity of its priorities.

He added that the proposed spending plan reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Filipinos and a strong focus on long-term investments, particularly in education.

Beyond education, the 2026 GAB also prioritizes health and agriculture. Funding increases for these sectors were made possible by reductions in the proposed 2026 budget for the Department of Public Works and Highways, following controversies over flood control projects.

Once enacted, the 2026 national budget is expected to strengthen public education, expand access to learning opportunities, and support reforms aimed at improving education quality nationwide.