Senators back DepEd's record P1.044 trillion budget for 2026

Senators are backing the Department of Education's (DepEd) proposed P1.044 trillion budget for 2026, the largest in Philippine history.

Major business and education organizations, including PBEd, MBC, MAP, COCOPEA, and Association of Foundations, have endorsed the P1.38 trillion allocation for the entire education sector in the 2026 national budget.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed gratitude for the Senate's endorsement, stating it signifies a national commitment to advancing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s agenda for basic education.

The proposed allocation for the education sector aligns with the UN recommendation of 4 to 6 percent of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP).

Senator Bam Aquino highlighted that this historic budget would help resolve the country's classroom backlog and boost student nutrition.

The business groups see this funding as a move closer to global benchmarks for education spending, recognizing education as a long-term economic strategy essential for sustained competitiveness.

They also reiterated their support for Secretary Angara's leadership and DepEd's commitment to transparency, data-driven policymaking, and collaboration, but called for a more accountable and participative budgeting process.