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DepEd seeks bigger 2026 budget for student aid, voucher programs
The Department of Education (DepEd) plans to expand its Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) programs in 2026 with a proposed budget increase.
The proposed 2026 budget for GASTPE is P41.18 billion, an increase of P670 million from the previous year, aimed at meeting growing demand for subsidies.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the increased funding will help provide quality education, especially in areas with insufficient public school facilities.
DepEd aims to ensure the proper utilization of funds to support the continued education of over two million young Filipinos through partnerships with the private sector.
Under the proposed budget, the Educational Service Contracting (ESC) program is expected to assist 989,471 junior high school students, while the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP) will cater to 1,475,264 senior high school students.
The Teachers' Salary Subsidy (TSS) of P24,000 annually for eligible teachers in participating private schools will also be sustained.
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