THE Department of Education (DepEd) has sought the Senate’s intervention to restore and augment its funding under the 2027 national budget, citing key operational gaps and unfunded learning programs. Under the current draft of the General Appropriations Bill, DepEd’s allocation stands at P967.23 billion — a reduction of P6.17 billion from the P969.79 billion originally proposed under the National Expenditure Program. In response to the cut, Education Secretary Sonny Angara presented a P149.67 billion total request, comprising of a P147.93 billion “wishlist” for DepEd and P1.74 billion for its attached agencies. The amount, he said, covers personnel improvement (P52.11 billion), classroom infrastructure and school security (P41.06 billion), learner support and well-being (P35.92 billion), learning recovery (P15.68 billion), inclusive education (P833.8 million), and governance and innovation (P330 million). The additional P1.74 billion will be used for operational and capital funds of DepEd’s attached agencies, including the National Book Development Board, National Council for Children’s Television, National Museum of the Philippines, Philippine High School for the Arts, National Academy of Sports, and Teacher Education Council. Senate Committee on Basic Education Chairman Sen. Bam Aquino backed the appeal, pledging to champion increased allocations during Senate budget deliberations.
The Manila Times
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