DBM backs transfer of flood control project funds to education

The Department of Budget and Management on Monday expressed support for increasing funding for the education sector, with Secretary Amenah Pangandaman committing close coordination with Congress to ensure the swift approval of increased allocations, specifically for state universities and colleges.

According to Pangandaman, the increased funding is in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s order to transfer the P255.5 billion originally earmarked for flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways to priority programs.

“Few days ago, the President mentioned the reallocation of the DPWH funds for priority programs - and kasama po sa pupuntahan niyan ang (that includes the) education sector,” she said in a statement released on Monday.

“We stand with this realignment, and we will make sure it is implemented properly so that our students, teachers, and SUCs receive the support they deserve,” she added.

Pangandaman also called on Congress to approve higher appropriations for SUCs, as she said “education has always been our number one priority under the NEP (National Expenditure Program),” with enrollment expected to increase in 2026.

“It is our hope that Congress will heed this call and put more resources where they matter most - in preparing our youth for the future,” she said.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, the budget reallocation includes P26.55 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd), P9.3 billion to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), P1 billion to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and P450 million to the Philippine Science High School System.

“Investing in education is an investment in the nation’s future. Providing sufficient resources for SUCs will not only address immediate enrollment pressures but will also strengthen the country’s long-term human capital development,” Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman in the same statement said the removal of the P255-billion budget from flood control projects would not have a significant impact on the country’s overall infrastructure spending program.

“What’s important is that we still get to implement key projects like school buildings, hospitals, and infrastructure that supports our agriculture sector,” she said, adding that legitimate obligations under existing contracts will push through.

Pangandaman also expressed the DBM’s openness to adjustments, as she said the agency is ready to coordinate with legislative counterparts to calibrate funding levels that are aligned with realistic enrollment projections.

“We must ensure alignment between projections per SUC and the corresponding Free Higher Education funding - so that no institution is left behind or underfunded,” she said.

“We anticipate that Congress will work in tandem with the DBM to fulfill our shared commitment to education. This is not an issue of politics, but of providing real opportunity for our students, uplifting our institutions, and securing a brighter future for the country,” she added.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier bared that 20% of the total P545-billion budget for such projects went to only 15 contractors, which he described as a “disturbing assessment.”

The President has also vowed to ensure that those involved in anomalous projects would be held accountable, triggering both chambers of Congress to launch their own probes into the issue.

The government has also formed the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which will conduct its own investigation on the irregularities in infrastructure projects, and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.—AOL, GMA Integrated News