Marcos Administration Proposes Historic Budget Allocation for Education Sector

Strategic Insights -

The Department of Education (DepEd) has hailed the proposed budget allocation for the education sector by the Marcos administration, with a total of PHP1.224 trillion allocated under the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP). This marks a historic first as it complies with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) standards, securing 4 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). The proposed budget is a significant increase from the current General Appropriations Act (GAA) and will be allocated to various programs and projects aimed at improving education infrastructure, teacher training, and student support.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Marcos administration has proposed a historic budget allocation of PHP1.224 trillion for the education sector under the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
  • The proposed budget complies with UNESCO standards, securing 4 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).
  • DepEd will receive the largest share of the proposed fund, amounting to PHP928.52 billion, which is 18.9 percent higher than the department's budget under the 2025 GAA.
  • PHP115.4 billion will be allocated for school operations, support, and programs such as the Senior High School Voucher Program and the School-Based Feeding Program.
  • PHP41.6 billion will be allotted for the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of classrooms under the Basic Education Facilities Fund.
  • PHP15.4 billion is proposed for the creation of plantilla posts, including Project Development Officers and Administrative Officers, to ease teachers' workload.
  • PHP13.8 billion is allocated for the computerization program.
  • Additional funding will be allocated to DepEd's attached agencies, including the National Museum of the Philippines, the National Academy of Sports, and the Teacher Education Council.

Statistics:

  • Total proposed allocation for education sector: PHP1.224 trillion.
  • DepEd budget: PHP928.52 billion (18.9% higher than 2025 GAA).
  • Allocation for school operations, support, and programs: PHP115.4 billion.
  • Allocation for Basic Education Facilities Fund: PHP41.6 billion.
  • Allocation for creation of plantilla posts: PHP15.4 billion.
  • Allocation for computerization program: PHP13.8 billion.

Sources:

  • The Department of Education (DepEd) statement on the proposed budget allocation (no date provided).
  • The Marcos administration's 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) (no date provided).