Latest news with #P1.224
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
DepEd seeks multi-sector drive to close classroom gap
Education Secretary Sonny Angara intensified calls for multi-sector collaboration in accelerating the construction of classrooms amid the proposed education budget of P1.224 trillion in the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP). This, as DepEd's proposal for the 2026 NEP includes a 'Special Provision on flexibility,' enabling local government units (LGUs), private partners, and NGOs (non-government organizations) to take on project implementation—especially vital in disaster-prone and remote areas. 'Nagpasok tayo ng Special Provision on flexibility sa 2026 NEP. Dahil madalas ring tumutugon ang DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) sa mga kalamidad, nais nating bumuo ng pool ng mas maraming implementing actors upang matiyak na magpapatuloy ang mga proyekto nang walang aberya,' Angara said. (We introduced a Special Provision on flexibility in the 2026 NEP. Since DPWH often responds to disasters, we want to form a pool of more implementing actors to ensure projects continue without disruption.) He added that LGUs could tap into their Special Education Fund (SEF), while the private sector could contribute via Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) or the Adopt-a-School program. 'Kailangan nating buksan ang pinto para makasali ang LGU, NGO, at iba pang handang tumulong para mapabilis ang pagpapatayo. Ang mahalaga, kung saan may pondo, dapat may marunong at mabilis na tagapagpatayo,' Angara said. (We need to open the door for LGUs, NGOs, and others willing to help to speed up construction. What's important is that where there's funding, there should be capable and fast builders.) DepEd's strategy incorporates a national classroom master plan using demographic trends and site-level data, aiming to program funds efficiently through the Basic Education Facilities Fund and Quick Response Fund. DepEd engineers will monitor construction, with inter-agency validation ensuring transparency and quality. Flood- and typhoon-resilient designs are also being adopted—such as stilted classrooms and elevated structures with waterproofed roofing, particularly in regions like Bicol. DepEd also supports the proposed Classroom Building Acceleration Program (CAP) under Senate Bill No. 121, emphasizing that it should be built on the national master plan, clear shared roles, priority targeting of high-need areas, and centralized monitoring. The education sector got the largest allocation in the proposed 2026 NEP—P1.224 trillion—upholding the constitutional mandate to prioritize education funding. This includes P928.5 billion for DepEd, P134.9 billion for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), P33.9 billion for CHED, and P20.2 billion for TESDA. Teachers' allowances were increased to ensure a doubled rate of P10,000 per month starting SY 2025–2026. President Marcos emphasized that this allocation aligns with UNESCO guidelines, targeting 4–6% of GDP and 15–20% of total public expenditure in education. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos: Education sector gets lion share of proposed 2026 budget
The education sector gets the biggest allocation in the proposed 2026 national budget with P1.224 trillion. In his budget message, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. emphasized that this fulfills the Constitutional mandate to assign the highest budgetary priority to the education sector. According to Marcos, this notably meets the recommended education spending of the UNESCO Education 2030 Framework for Action of allocating 4.0 to 6.0% of Gross Domestic Product to education as the Philippines adopts a whole-of-government approach in investing in our learners to include the education expenditures of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which may be sourced from their Annual Block Grant and own sources of revenues, and the Special Education Fund of local governments. Marcos said the National Government education spending would also meet the UNESCO-recommended 15.0 to 20.0 percent of total public expenditure, in line with the administration's strong commitment to implementing a child-responsive budget and nurturing future-ready generations. Allocations The budget allocation of the sector includes the P928.5 billion for the Department of Education (DepEd), which is an 18.7% increase from the P782.2 billion allocation in the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Meanwhile, P134.9 billion was allotted for State Universities and Colleges, a 6.1% increase from the P127.2 billion allocation in the FY 2025 GAA. On the other hand, P33.9 billion was allocated for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and P20.2 billion was given to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Marcos also said his administration had increased the allocation for Teaching Allowance by 3.2% — from P9.9 billion under the FY 2025 GAA to P10.3 billion for FY 2026. This seeks to meet the doubled allowance of P10,000 per public school teacher, effective School Year (SY) 2025-2026, according to the Chief Executive. 'Future-ready generations' As stated in his message, Marcos believed that the country is on track with its Agenda for Prosperity and ''poised to be a leader among nations, especially in the Asia Pacific region.'' "However, while we have recovered from the pandemic, we recognize that there is still much to rebuild, and there is still much that can be achieved. We must not lose sight of our collective responsibility to ensure a brighter future for our people, especially the next generations,'' Marcos said. ''Hence, I urge the honorable members of Congress to swiftly enact this budget. Let us work together to realize the full potential of our nation, nurture future-ready generations and fulfill our dream of a Bagong Pilipinas,'' he added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
