Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday proposed a PHP975.96-billion budget for the year 2027, along with a request for an additional PHP145.19 billion to support 'critical programs' necessary for the advancement of the education sector.
According to Philippines News Agency, Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the budget presentation before the House Committee on Appropriations for the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP). Angara emphasized the need to sustain reforms in the education sector, providing support to both teachers and students. The proposed budget is aimed at improving the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of basic education across the nation.
The proposed NEP includes an 8.64 percent increase in the allocation for Personnel Services, amounting to PHP766.74 billion, which will cover salaries and career progression. Core initiatives include PHP12.09 billion for promoting more than 135,000 educators under the Expanded Career Progression system, PHP17.31 billion for constructing 4,900 new classrooms, and PHP7.33 billion for repairing 11,100 classrooms. Additionally, PHP801.5 million is proposed for hiring new School Counselor Associates and Schools Division Office Counselors.
Despite these increases, the allocation for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) has decreased by 15.9 percent to PHP174.32 billion, and Capital Outlay has fallen by 67.49 percent to PHP32.34 billion. Other significant allocations include PHP6.4 billion for textbooks and instructional materials, and PHP10.81 billion for the Project for Learning Upgrade Support and Decentralization (PLUS-D) program. The School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) is set to receive PHP11.43 billion to support 3.69 million learners, targeting all Kindergarten pupils and those identified as wasted or severely wasted from Grade 1 and above.
To support 2.32 million private education voucher and subsidy grantees, PHP38.12 billion is proposed, and the remaining PHP2.56 billion is earmarked for six attached agencies, including the National Museum of the Philippines and the Teacher Education Council.
Secretary Angara also highlighted the need for additional funds for unfunded 'critical programs' under the 2027 NEP, expressing hope for the restoration of some items through a supplemental budget. The request includes PHP145.19 billion for the DepEd and PHP1.74 billion for its attached agencies.
The additional funding aims to support the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, with PHP15.98 billion requested for various components such as honoraria for teaching overload and compensation for external tutors. The Bayang Bumabasa initiative seeks an additional PHP50 million. Furthermore, PHP49.16 billion is requested for hiring new teachers and non-teaching personnel.
Unfunded measures include PHP8.68 billion for school safety and security, encompassing security guards, metal detectors, and perimeter fences. Other areas needing supplementary funding cover classroom construction, repairs, learner assistance, health services, guidance programs, sports development, and expanded support for learners with special needs.
