Department of Education seeks PHP969.79 billion budget for 2027

The Philippine Senate Finance Committee has approved the Department of Education’s (DepEd) proposed PHP969.79 billion budget for fiscal year 2027. During the budget briefing, Education Secretary Sonny Angara requested an additional PHP147.93 billion in supplemental funding to enhance teacher support, accelerate learning recovery, improve school safety, and expand nationwide feeding programs.

Key allocations within the proposed budget include PHP12.09 billion for personnel promotions, PHP13.49 billion for the construction of 3,854 new classrooms, and PHP11.43 billion for the School-Based Feeding Program. The agency also seeks to fund ICT solutions, textbook procurement, and inclusive education programs for special needs and indigenous learners.

Lawmakers specifically scrutinized the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, noting it lacked a standalone allocation in the National Expenditure Program. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted the program's impact, stating it helped move 1.37 million learners out of the struggling reader category. The Department of Budget and Management clarified that while there is no dedicated line item, the program remains funded through existing allocations for textbooks and instructional materials.