‘Unprecedented’: House subpanel OKs P56.6 billion additional funds for education

The Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee of the House appropriations panel has realigned an “unprecedented” P56.6 billion in additional funds for the education sector under the proposed 2026 national budget.

The reallocations were approved during the House subpanel’s hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

House appropriations committee and Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Suansing said this realignment will result in the largest allocation for the education sector.

“This is unprecedented. This is the first time in history… This will be the highest education budget in history,” Suansing said.

• The approved fund allocations are:
• P35 billion for Basic Education Facilities under the Department of Education;
• P414 million for the DepEd computerization program;
• P4 billion for the three-year funding shortfall for state universities and colleges;
• P1.8 billion for the construction of SUCs’ buildings and facilities; and
• P3.6 billion for the Training for Work Scholarship Program and Special Training for Employment Program under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The additional funds will be on top of the P1.224 trillion current allocation for the education sector under the 2026 National Expenditure Program.

Meanwhile, the House subcommittee also approved the amendment to double the monthly P4,000 stipend of students of the Philippine Science High School System without objection.

Other approved allocations for the PSHS System are:

• P19.49 million for the augmentation of Science and Technology scholarship;
• P4.7 million for students’ laptops; and
• P97 million for the construction and rehabilitation of PSHS System facilities.

The House of Representatives will hold a plenary session on Friday, Oct. 10 to incorporate the changes to the 2026 General Appropriations Bill before it is approved on second reading.

The lower chamber will also convene on Monday, Oct. 13 to pass the GAB on third and final reading. — JMA, GMA Integrated News